An integrated method for understanding the function of macro-lithic tools. Use wear, 3D and spatial analyses of an Early Upper Palaeolithic assemblage from North Eastern Italy

Mutri

Caricola

et al. 2019

Archaeol Anthropol Sci

Self Cite

In recent years, several works have proved the reliability of the application of 3D modeling and spatial analysis in the study of stone tool use. Monitoring surface morphometry resulting from the use of lithic tools has the potential to objectively quantify and identify patterns of modifications associated to specific activities and worked materials. In particular, the combination of surface morphometry with a systematic experimental framework and use wear analysis has the potential of foreseeing residue distribution areas over the groundstone surfaces, hence providing a key aid in establishing sampling strategies applied to archeological specimens. Here, we propose an approach that applies 3D modeling, performed through a close-range photogrammetry, and the use of GIS software to investigate surface modifications and residue distribution on groundstones used to process wild plants. Our work comprises a dedicated experimental framework in which modern tool replicas have been used to process different species of wild plant foods through grinding, crushing, and pounding. By applying 3D modeling and spatial analysis, we were able to characterize patterns of surface modifications related to each of the worked substances and activities performed. Moreover, we monitored the distribution of starch granules over the experimental groundstone surfaces and its variation in relation to the state of the worked substance and the action carried out. Our results provide one of the first experimental dataset focused on the use of groundstones for wild plant processing, and a reliable methodology for further studies related to the exploitation of stone technology and wild vegetal substances in the past.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The application of 3D modeling and spatial analysis in the study of groundstones used in wild plants processing

Mutri

Caricola

et al. 2019

Archaeol Anthropol Sci

Self Cite

“…In this regard, the researcher's experience has an active role in improving the objective comprehension of the tool function 36 . However, also post-depositional alterations can affect the topography of used surfaces and influence their quantification 13 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In particular, a low degree of accuracy in blind tests has been pointed (see 2,3 ) together with the need to implement quantitative approaches to obtain more accurate use wear datasets and guarantee the comparability and reproducibility of functional results 3,4 . In this regard, several works have discussed the application of quantitative methods focused on surface measurements to knapped and ground stone tools (henceforth GSTs), at both macro and microscale [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] . A variety of equipment and techniques has been tested, including confocal microscopy 5,6,9,15 , atomic force microscopy 16 , surface textural imaging 17 , laser profilometry 9,18 and 3D modelling [11][12][13]14,19,20 .…”

Section: Functional Analysis Of Sandstone Ground Stone Tools: Argumenmentioning

confidence: 99%

Functional analysis of sandstone ground stone tools: arguments for a qualitative and quantitative synergetic approach

Cristiani

2020

Sci Rep

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In the last few years, the application of quantitative methods in the field of use wear analysis has grown considerably, involving the use of different techniques. A development in surface measurements approaches has become necessary as standard assessments based upon qualitative functional analysis are often affected by a degree of subjectivity and a limited reproducibility. To advance the current methodological debate on functional analysis of ground stone technology, we present a combined methodological approach, including qualitative and quantitative analyses, applied to the study of experimental sandstone ground stone tools. We test surface quantification at a macro and micro-scale, paired with the observation and description of residue and use wear connected to the processing of plant, animal and mineral matters. Our results provide an exhaustive quantitative dataset concerning surface modifications associated with different uses and suggest an analytical workflow for the functional analysis of both experimental and archaeological ground stone assemblages. We also highlight the limitation and pitfalls of an exclusive adoption of quantitative methods in the study of ancient tool use demonstrating how a synergetic approach can enhance the quality, reproducibility and comparability of functional data.

“…Ground stone tools (henceforth GSTs) are non-flint tools used in grinding, pounding, abrading, pecking and polishing of vegetal, animal and mineral materials (Adams 2014; de Beaune 2004;Dubreuil and Savage 2014), generally characterized by long functional histories Dubreuil and Savage 2014). While exceptions to this pattern exist (Caricola et al 2018), the functional complexity of GSTs has made them particularly suitable for tackling a wide range of archaeological questions. Scholars have studied the earliest pounding technology to understand the origins of human cognition and more complex knapping techniques (Arroyo et al 2016 Arroyo and de la Torre 2020; Bril et al 2012;Carvalho et al 2019;Haslam et al 2009Haslam et al , 2013Proffitt et al 2018).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the last decade, research on GSTs experienced exponential growth with the development and application of novel methodological frameworks. A large variety of qualitative and quantitative techniques, including use wear analysis, mechanical tests, 3D modelling, surface morphometrics, spatial and residue analyses and experimental frameworks have been proposed (Arroyo and de la Torre 2020;Benito-Calvo et al 2015Caricola et al 2018;Caruana et al 2014;Delgado-Raack et al 2009;Hayes et al 2017;Hayes and Rots 2019;Procopiou et al 2002;Zupancich et al 2019). However, scholars have debated the lack of a shared analytical protocol for functional analysis (Cnuts and Rots 2018;Hayes et al 2017;Marreiros et al 2020;Zupancich et al 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sandstone Ground Stone Technology: a Multi-level Use Wear and Residue Approach to Investigate the Function of Pounding and Grinding Tools

Cristiani

J Archaeol Method Theory

2020

Self Cite

Ground stone tool (GST) technology includes artefacts utilized in pounding or grinding activities and characterized by long life cycles and multiple uses. The introduction of such technology dates back to early prehistory, and for this reason, it is used as prime evidence for tackling a wide range of archaeological questions such as the origins of technology, patterns of daily subsistence and lifeways. In this paper, we contribute to the field of study of GSTs by discussing the application of a novel multi-level analytical approach combining use wear and residue observations at low and high magnification with residue spatial distribution investigated using GIS. We aim to assess the potential of a combined use wear and residue approach to (1) discriminate specific gestures and worked materials on sandstone GSTs and (2) understand the potential of residue distributions for reconstructing ancient GST functions and, more specifically, the role of GSTs recovered at Mesolithic sites of the Danube Gorges region in the Central Balkans. We identified diagnostic surface modifications associated with the use of GSTs in different activities involving both animal and plant materials. Morphological characteristics of residues have been described under reflected and transmitted light and characterized using biochemical staining. Finally, we mapped residues across the utilized surfaces of experimental tools to link patterns of residue spatial distribution to specific materials and gestures. We expect our methodological approach will be taken up by other researchers in order to produce comparable datasets on GSTs and improve our understanding of their ancient functional biographies.