Functions of early Iron Age handstones. Experimental and traceological approach.

Abstract

AbstractThe multi-faceted analyses proved that the community of early Iron Age settlement (7th century BC) at Milejowice in SW Poland used easily accessible, erratic pebbles of similar shapes for various purposes. Referring to the results of our experimental work, we examined a collection of 46 stone objects found in various contexts. Using microscopic analysis of use-wear, we identified the handstones for grinding grain and plant stalks and also used for pottery production (grog obtaining) and decoration (red pigment powdering). Some of the handstones served for only one purpose, while the other might have been used to process both hard and soft materials. The distribution of the handstones in the settlement area showed that they were strongly associated with household activities which included both food processing and pottery manufacturing.