Results of a functional study on the Middle to early Upper Pleistocene lithic assemblages from the Azokh 1 Cave site (South Caucasus)

Abstract

The study of the lithic artefacts exploited by early hominins and the manner in which they were used is a key aspect of lithic studies. Azokh Cave in the Southern Caucasus comprises a complete stratigraphic sequence of five archaeological units (Units V–I) and has yielded large Middle to early Upper Pleistocene lithic and faunal assemblages in association with hominin remains. The aim of this study was to evaluate the state of preservation of the lithic assemblages recovered from a marginal area at the rear of the cave and to test the feasibility of functionally analysing these artefacts. The study focused on a sample of archaeological pieces that at the macroscopic scale exhibit fresh surfaces and unaltered edges. These were analysed using various microscopes. The results obtained revealed that some archaeological artefacts from different units do preserve diagnostic use-wear traces. Microwear on the archaeological pieces and a comparison of that wear with experimental results enabled us to identify features related to longitudinal actions and the working of soft material, and those related to transversal actions and the working of hard material. Based on this information, we interpreted that these artefacts were used for activities related to butchery, hideworking, and at times, woodworking.