The bow and arrow is a technology very closely associated with “Native American” identity in popular stereotype. But few people realize that bows and arrows were virtually non-existent in the Americas for more than 10,000 years of prehistory. When these weapons did finally arrive in late prehistory, they spread like wildfire and thus became ubiquitous as war and hunting weapons in very few centuries. Dr. Joseph Wilson has examined hundreds of traditional Native American bows from museum collections around the country. He will present his research conclusions about weapons technology and human migrations. The proliferation of newer, more efficient weapon technologies can spur mass migrations and transform entire societies, just as we have observed with other “arms races” in historical times
Presented by Joseph A.P. Wilson PhD, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Fairfield University
The audience is invited to bring a lunch to enjoy during the program.
Tickets available first-come, first-serve on the day of the lecture at the Welcome Center. The audience is invited to bring a lunch to enjoy during the program. Free coffee available. Cookies provided courtesy of Big Y.
