Analysis: Did prehistoric women hunt? New research suggests so

For a long time, it was assumed that hunting in prehistoric societies was primarily carried out by men. Now a new study adds to a body of evidence challenging this idea, says Honorary Research Fellow Dr Annemieke Milks (UCL Archaeology). The research reports the discovery of a female body, buried alongside hunting tools, in the Americas some 9,000 years ago. The woman, discovered in the Andean highlands, was dubbed Wilamaya Patjxa individual 6, or "WPI6". She was found with her legs in a semi-flexed position, with the collection of stone tools placed carefully next to them. These included projectile points - tools that were likely used to tip lightweight spears thrown with an atlatl (also called a spear thrower). The authors argue that such projectile points were used for hunting large animals.