2. User-wear and residues on stone tools. Functional Analysis and its application to two southeastern Australian archaeological assemblages

Abstract

The aims of this PhD thesis are (1) to describe use-wear and residue patterns on experimental stone tools, and (2) to apply functional analysis in the interpretation of two archaeological sites from coastal southeastern Australia. The relative importance of different forms of use-wear and their formation processes are still the subject of debate. In addition, the full potential of residue analysis has not been well described. Given this context, two specific methodological problems are addressed; the role of amorphous silica in polish formation, and the nature and identification of organic residues. Three hundred and twenty-four experimental tools were examined. The stone comprised mainly flint but also obsidian, hornfels, quartz, quartzite, chert, sandstone, impactite and silcrete. Experimental results indicate that even low amounts of amorphous silica are directly proportional to polish formation. However, polish is found to be a less reliable indicator of material worked than previously thought. Residues provide an independent and direct means for identifying material worked if they are preserved in sufficient amounts. Integration of both use-wear and residue analysis offers a more complete approach. Â Two archaeological case studies were selected to examine spatial and chronological variability. The Enclosed Chamber assemblage from Rocky Cape South was an intact 6,000 year old deposit (Jones 1971). From a sample of 152 stones, 52 utilised edges were identified on 43 implements. The Great Glennie Island assemblage was from four sequential layers deposited in the last 2,000 years (Head et al. 1983). All 458 artefacts were examined and 107 utilised edges identified on 75 implements. Animal and plant processing activities suggesting domestic usage were identified at the Enclosed Chamber. At GGI, there is change to a more generalised economy, with a more opportunistic use of stone and a higher proportion of maintenance tasks. Â