The identification of residues is traditionally based
on the distinctive morphologies of the residue fragments by
means of light microscopy. Most residue fragments are amorphous,
in the sense that they lack distinguishing shapes or
easily visible structures under reflected light microscopy.
Amorphous residues can only be identified by using transmitted
light microscopy, which requires the extraction of residues
from the tool’s surface. Residues are usually extracted with a
pipette or an ultrasonic bath in combination with distilled water.
However, a number of researchers avoid residue extraction
because it is unclear whether current extraction techniques are
representative for the use-related residue that adheres to a
flaked stone tool. In this paper, we aim at resolving these
methodological uncertainties by critically evaluating current
extraction methodologies. Attention is focused on the variation
in residue types, their causes of deposition and their adhesion
and on the most successful technique for extracting a
range of residue types from the stone tool surface. Based on an
experimental reference sample in flint, we argue that a stepwise
extraction protocol is most successful in providing rep-
resentative residue extractions and in preventing damage, destruction
or loss of residue.Evohaf
