Replicating the Manufacturing Sequence of Ground Discoidal Biconvex Stones from Southeastern South America: Experimental Research

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ground discoidal lenticular stones are common archaeological finds in southeastern South America in the area of southern Brazil, northeastern Argentina, and Uruguay. As part of an ongoing experimental program to explore and understand diverse aspects of lithic technologies from the Americas, this article reports a preliminary experiment dedicated to replicating this particular artifact. The research was performed to explore the techniques and stages of manufacture from obtaining the blank to the finished product. This article reports the experiment and proposes a four-stage model of a production sequence employing multiple techniques of lithic reduction (flaking, grinding, pecking, and polishing). The study takes into account the methods, implements, stages of manufacture, characteristics of raw materials, and other significant factors useful to discuss topics related to the traditional technological knowledge involved in the manufacturing process of these artifacts. In light of this investigation, the broader implications concerning the archaeological record are discussed.