Final answer:
The ax was left behind because it was a ceremonial artifact, while the arrow shaft was taken because it was a functional tool used for hunting.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ax was left behind because it was a ceremonial artifact made of semiprecious green stone, while the arrow shaft was taken because it was a functional tool used for hunting. In ancient civilizations, people often left behind ceremonial objects or artifacts with religious or symbolic significance, while they carried practical items with them as they moved.
For example, the Clovis people left behind finely worked stone points, which were functional tools used for hunting. These points were attached to wooden shafts and could serve as spears or thrown hunting tools. This practical tool was a necessity for a people who were regularly on the move.
Therefore, the decision to leave behind the ax and take the arrow shaft was likely based on the purposes and functions of these objects within their respective contexts.