An integrated approach based on archaeometry, use-wear analysis and experimental archaeology to investigate the function of a specific type of basin diffused in the Predynastic sites of lower Egypt (4th mill. BC)

This paper focuses on the functional analysis of a specific oval shaped basin diffused in Lower Egyptian Predynastic sites during the first half of the 4th millennium BC. These oval shallow ceramic basins are characterised by a flat and wide inner surface that is covered by a layer of small rock fragments pressed into the clay matrix. Several archeologists have interpreted them as grinding tools, but the limited number of samples unearthed thus far and their poor state of preservation made this interpretation uncertain. Here we present the results of a preliminary integrated study based on the combination of experimental archaeology and petrographic, use-wear and residue analyses carried out on two samples from the Predynastic site of Maadi. The use-wear analysis of the archaeological fragments highlighted traces of an intentional grinding and light pounding of oily substances, which is also partially supported by the organic residue investigation. These results were tested through experimental tests that confirmed these basins are most likely mortars. Establishing the actual functional activities performed in such a unique type of vessel is important not only for understanding the social behaviors of the Lower Egyptian Predynastic communities and the dynamics related to the diffusion of such basins, but it also provides a new methodological framework for Egyptian Predynastic studies

Expanded geographic distribution and dietary strategies of the earliest Oldowan hominins and Paranthropus

The oldest Oldowan tool sites, ca. 2.6 million years ago (Ma), have previously been confined to Ethiopia’s Afar Triangle. We describe sites at Nyayanga, Kenya, dated to 3.032-2.581 Ma, and expand this distribution by over 1300 km. Furthermore, we found two hippopotamid butchery sites associated with mosaic vegetation and a C4 grazer-dominated fauna. Tool flaking proficiency was comparable to younger Oldowan assemblages, but pounding activities were more common. Tool use-wear and bone damage indicate plant and animal tissue processing. Paranthropus sp. teeth, the first from southwestern Kenya, possessed carbon isotopic values indicative of a diet rich in C4 foods. We argue that the earliest Oldowan was more widespread than previously known, used to process diverse foods including megafauna, and associated with Paranthropus from its onset

Le punte foliate dai contesti funerari di Torre della Chiesaccia (Roma). Analisi delle tracce d’uso e dei residui

Il contesto funerario Eneolitico di Torre della Chiesaccia (Roma) ha restituito un ricchissimo corredo che annovera, tra i vari oggetti deposti, anche una cospicua quantità di manufatti a ritocco foliato, tipologicamente ascrivibili alla categoria delle cuspidi di freccia. Si tratta di manufatti in selce di fattura molto variabile. Difatti, nella stessa tomba possono coesistere sia manufatti con una simmetria perfetta, prodotti su supporti molto fini con un façonnage accurato, sia manufatti di dimensioni più ridotte, con spessore maggiore, asimmetrici, presentanti un façonnage meno accurato. In questa sede non saranno trattati e discussi gli aspetti morfometrici delle punte foliate. A tale riguardo si rimanda ad un altro articolo in questo volume (cap. 4.3). In questa sede saranno invece presentati i dati ottenuti dalla analisi delle tracce d’uso ed alcuni dati preliminari relativi all’analisi dei residui, effettuate suun campione selezionato punte foliate rinvenute nelle sepolture di Torre della Chiesaccia

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

The article presents an original analysis which combines use wear and spatial analyses to experimental archaeology in order to investigate Early Upper Palaeolithic flint-knapping gestures and techniques involving the use of macro-lithic tools. The integrated methodology proposed in this paper was applied to the study of Protoaurignacian and Aurignacian macro-tools from Fumane Cave (Verona, Italy). Combining spatial analysis and use wear investigation, both at low and high magnifications, permitted the identification and detailed description of the use-related traces affecting both the hammerstones and retouchers which, at Fumane Cave, were used at different stages during flint tool production. Several experimental activities were performed including core shaping, maintenance, and blank production together with different types of edge retouching. From a methodological perspective, our analysis permitted to codify specific traces and to produce quantitative data related to their geometry and distribution over the tool’s surface, according to the activities and gestures performed. We provide a detailed investigation of the gestures associated to the use of Protoaurignacian and Aurignacian macro-lithic tools in flint-knapping at Fumane Cave while providing a methodological framework for interpreting macro-tools from different chronological and geographic contexts