Comparative Characteristics of Stone Tools from the Neolithic Sites on the Upper and Middle Kama

Abstract

This article presents results of a comprehensive analysis of stone tools from six Neolithic sites in the Upper and Middle Kama basin, three of which belong to the Kama culture and three to the Volga- Kama culture. Technological, typological, traceological, and spatial analyses were used. Differences between both lithic industries are minor in all parameters. Technologically, both are characterized by regular knapping aimed at the production of blades and blade-like flakes. Tools on flakes are more numerous than those on blades. Marginal retouch was widely used, and several tools are bifacial. The most common types are scrapers, knives, points, blades, and retouched flakes. In tools from the Kama sites, ventral retouch is more frequent. The traceological analysis revealed that the principal tools were end-scrapers for processing various materials, butchering knives, planes, burins, and perforators. In the Volga-Kama industry, bone-processing tools are more frequent. The spatial analysis demonstrated that zones of various subsistence activities often overlap or are vaguely delimited. Apparently, adaptation to one and the same environment leveled off cultural differences.