The Use of Desert Kites as Hunting Mega-Traps: Functional Evidence and Potential Impacts on Socioeconomic and Ecological Spheres - Archive ouverte HAL Access content directly
Journal Articles Journal of World Prehistory Year : 2022

The Use of Desert Kites as Hunting Mega-Traps: Functional Evidence and Potential Impacts on Socioeconomic and Ecological Spheres

Abstract

For almost a century there has been debate on the functional interpretation of desert kites. These archaeological structures have been interpreted as constructions for animal hunting or domestication purposes, sometimes for both, but with little conclusive evidence. Here, we present new evidence from a large-scale research programme. This unprecedented programme of archaeological excavations and geomatics explorations shows the unequivocal and probably exclusive function of kites as hunting traps. Considering their gigantic size, as well as the significant energy and organization required to build them, these types of traps are called mega-traps. Our research is based on five different field studies in Armenia, Jordan, Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia, as well as on satellite imagery interpretation across the global distribution area of kites throughout the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia. This hunting interpretation raises questions about the transformation of the landscape by human groups and the consequent anthropogenic impacts on local ecological equilibrium during different periods of the Holocene. Finally, the role of trapping in the hunting strategies of prehistoric, protohistoric and historic human groups is addressed.
Fichier principal
Vignette du fichier
2022 Crassard et al JWP.pdf (11.31 Mo) Télécharger le fichier
Origin : Explicit agreement for this submission

Dates and versions

hal-03678384 , version 1 (01-06-2022)

Identifiers

Cite

Rémy Crassard, Wael Abu-Azizeh, Olivier Barge, Jacques Brochier, Jwana Chahoud, et al.. The Use of Desert Kites as Hunting Mega-Traps: Functional Evidence and Potential Impacts on Socioeconomic and Ecological Spheres. Journal of World Prehistory, 2022, 35, pp.1-44. ⟨10.1007/s10963-022-09165-z⟩. ⟨hal-03678384⟩
79 View
0 Download

Altmetric

Share

Gmail Facebook X LinkedIn More