The contribution of integrated 3D model analysis to Protoaurignacian stone tool design

Abstract

Protoaurignacian foragers relied heavily on the production and use of bladelets. Techno-typological studies of these implements have provided insights into crucial aspects of cultural variability. However, new technologies have seldom been used to quantify patterns of stone tool design. Taking advantage of a new scanning protocol and open-source software, we conduct the first 3D analysis of a Protoaurignacian assemblage, focusing on the selection and modification of blades and bladelets. We study a large dataset of complete blanks and retouched tools from the early Protoaurignacian assemblage at Fumane Cave in northeastern Italy. Our main goal is to validate and refine previous techno-typological considerations employing a 3D geometric morphometrics approach complemented by 2D analysis of cross-section outlines and computation of retouch angle. The encouraging results show the merits of the proposed integrated approach and confirm that bladelets were the main focus of stone knapping at the site. Among modified bladelets, various retouching techniques were applied to achieve specific shape objectives. We suggest that the variability observed among retouched bladelets relates to the design of multi-part artifacts that need to be further explored via renewed experimental and functional studies.

A pre-Campanian Ignimbrite techno-cultural shift in the Aurignacian sequence of Grotta di Castelcivita, southern Italy

“…Second, the main expectation of the comparisons with the tools is that retouched bladelets are more elongated due to edge modifications affecting the length-to-width ratio. This pattern was well demonstrated through a 3DGM analysis on a sample of PA bladelets from northern Italy 90 . Overall, this expectation is met across all mean shape comparisons, with the exception of the comparison between non-modified bladelets and bladelets with direct retouch from rsa’ .…”

“…While there are evident similarities, techno-typological connections are less pronounced with the early PA assemblages from Fumane in northeastern Italy 94 . Notably, the lowermost PA stratigraphic unit at Fumane (i.e., A2) site exhibits a more distinct focus on isolating narrow and convergent flaking surfaces to produce pointed bladelets 22 , 82 , which were modified through a varied range of retouching techniques 26 , 90 . The observed similarities among Tyrrhenian sites, in comparison to Adriatic Italy, may suggest that foragers settled in this area and/or their ideas traversed more frequently the north-to-south axis along the Tyrrhenian coastline.…”

“…To enhance the objectivity of this study, we chose to employ Elliptic Fourier Analysis (EFA) 161 on both unmodified and retouched bladelets. EFA has been widely used in the analysis of 2D shapes of lithic artifacts, both in dorsal view 155 , 157 , 158 , 162 , 163 and in cross-section 90 , 164 . To conduct this analysis, we took high-resolution photos of all complete bladelets using a digital camera.…”

Palaeolithic Cave deposits and Karst evolution in the Venetian Pre-Alps

“…The thickness of the layers gradually decreases moving towards the cave-opening where post-depositional deformations occurred under the influence of periglacial conditions at the onset and during MIS2. Within macro-unit D, evidence of Aurignacian human presence is found in D3d, D3b and D3a, becoming scarce in D1c and is eventually replaced in the last anthropic level, D1d, by Gravettian cultural evidence in the last anthropic level, D1d (Falcucci and Peresani, 2022). The macro-units A and D represent one of the most complete and detailed continental stratigraphic series from the Late Pleistocene (ca.…”

Analytical potential of 2D shape analysis to study Epigravettian lithic assemblages

“…In this paper, we will thus explore the use of shape outlines in relation to the production and modification of laminar artefacts. Recent studies carried out on an Upper Palaeolithic laminar assemblage have highlighted the potential of combining the quantification of shape with techno-typological assessments [15] [16]. Outline analysis offers a timeeffective and reliable alternative to a landmark-based analysis [17].…”