Quantitative use-wear analysis of stone tools: Measuring how the intensity of use affects the identification of the worked material.

ABSTRACT: The identification of the use of stone tools through use-wear analysis was one the major methodological advances in Prehistoric Archaeology during the second half of the 20th century. Studies of use-wear analysis have decisively contributed to a better understanding of the cognitive capacities and the socio-economic organization of Prehistoric societies. Among use-wear traces, microwear polish is the most relevant evidence, as it allows the identification of the worked materials (i.e. wood, antler, hide, bone, stone…). This identification is currently carried out through the qualitative and visual comparison of experimental and archaeological tools. During the last decade, confocal microscopy is allowing the quantitative identification of the worked material through the texture analysis of

SUBMITTER: Ibanez JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8452086 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature