Prehistoric flint scrapers or gun-lock flints? Experimental and use-wear criteria (according to archaeology of Kazan, Tatarstan)

Abstract

The issue of traceological distinction between prehistoric flint scrapers and gun-lock flints has given an stimulus to an experimental and use-wear study. Pattern gun-lock flints have been manufactured and used in order to define their use-wear criteria. Experimental firing has been performed using a replica of the Russian musket of 1806. During the experiments different gunflint samples were subjected to different multiples of five – 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 firings. Microscopic analysis of experimental gunflints allowed the authors to determine macro- and micro-wear features, involving striking and hafted edge damage in correlation with the quantity of shots made using the pattern gunflint. Traceological signs on the gunflints obtained during the shooting seem to be very different from the prehistoric flint scrapers, which are well-known. Experimental study demonstrates that after making 25–30 shots the striking edge became more rounded, and therefore the gunflint lost its firing properties and must be replaced. This result is compatible with military regulations of the 18–19th centuries. Traceological study of flint artifacts (54 samples) from excavations at Kazan during 1995–2005 has revealed the signs of gunflints among all the flint scrapers and retouched blade fragments. Five gunflints demonstrate the remnants of scraper working edges on local parts of striking edges. Reutilization of prehistoric scrapers and extreme utilization of the gunflints made of quality raw material are supposed to be caused by shortage of quality flint among the citizens of Kazan during the 17–18th centuries. Thus, use-wear criteria have been suggested to identify the gunflints found at excavation trenches in historical parts of the towns. Also, there are criteria for distinction of the gunflints from flint scrapers of various forms recovered from prehistoric cultural layers destroyed by medieval or later human activity.