Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Use may also be determined by examining the way the tools wore when used
and by analyzing residues on their surface.
Lithic tools are altered by use and wear, which results in the formation,
on the tool surface, of patterns of abrasion marks and layers of residues
(Astruc et al. 2003; Semenov 1964). Repeated use of the tools for such tasks
as slaughtering animals or cutting wood for example, leaves on their surface
characteristic wear striation grooves and layers of different residues, such as
blood remnants of animal tissues or vegetable sap, cellulose, or other veg-
etable tissues. Moreover, the interaction of the residues with the stone from
which the tools are made results in the surface of the tools acquiring a dis-
tinctive and characteristic luster or
surface polish
, such as
bone polish
or
hide
polish
. In sites where there was no washing away by flowing waters, scour-
ing by moving particles, or consumption by biological activity, the wear
pattern, residues, and/or surface polish have been preserved and their study
is often significant for elucidating the tasks for which the tools were used in
the past (Grace 1996; Plisson and Mauger 2001). Moreover, correlating
between the shape and pattern of wear marks, the composition of remain-
ing residues, and/or the surface polish on the tools is often indicative of dis-
tinct human activities (Hurcombe 1992; Hayden 1979).
