Spatial and orientation patterns of experimental stone tool refits

Ignacio De La Torre,Nils Vanwezer,Tomos Proffitt,Alfonso Benito-Calvo,Rafael Mora

doi:10.1007/s12520-018-0701-z

Abstract

Freehand and bipolar experimental knapping of quartzite from Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania is used to conduct spatial analysis of artefact distributions using GIS techniques, and to investigate the orientation of refit lines using circular histograms. The aim of our study is to discern patterns that can be applied to the archaeological record in two domains, namely the identification of knapping episodes and the utility of refitting line orientations in addressing post-depositional disturbance. Our spatial analysis shows that distinctive clustering patterns can be discerned according to knapping stance, handedness and flaking technique. The circular dispersion of refit lines in the horizontal distribution of bipolar assemblages is strongly patterned, indicating that anisotropy of conjoining sets is inherent to pristine hammer-and-anvil knapping episodes.

Highlights

IntroductionThe study of spatial distributions in experimental lithic scatters covers a range of topics, including knapper handedness (Bargalló et al 2017), knapper stance (Newcomer and de Sieveking, 1980; Barton and Bergman 1982; Schick 1984; Fischer 1990; Kvamme 1997), reduction strategy and raw material (Kvamme 1997), hammer type (Newcomer and de Sieveking, 1980; Kvamme 1997) and post-depositional processes (Bowers et al 1983; Gifford-González et al 1985; Schick 1984; Nielsen 1991; Texier et al 1998; Lenoble et al 2008; Bertran et al 2015; Driscoll et al 2016)
This paper aims to contribute to the literature by exploring spatial dynamics of experimental knapping episodes and conclusions that can be drawn from the orientation patterns of refits
The identification of single knapping episodes in the Palaeolithic record (e.g. Pigeot 1990; Fischer 1990; Bodu et al 1990; Pope 2002) makes it relevant to model the distribution of experimental assemblages and reconstruct their spatial dynamics

Summary

Introduction

The study of spatial distributions in experimental lithic scatters covers a range of topics, including knapper handedness (Bargalló et al 2017), knapper stance (Newcomer and de Sieveking, 1980; Barton and Bergman 1982; Schick 1984; Fischer 1990; Kvamme 1997), reduction strategy and raw material (Kvamme 1997), hammer type (Newcomer and de Sieveking, 1980; Kvamme 1997) and post-depositional processes (Bowers et al 1983; Gifford-González et al 1985; Schick 1984; Nielsen 1991; Texier et al 1998; Lenoble et al 2008; Bertran et al 2015; Driscoll et al 2016) These studies have produced relevant observations on the spatial distribution of experimental scatters, but quantitative results based on systematic GIS analyses are yet to be done. While that is certainly the case for the orientation of the long axes of items (Toots 1965; Nagle 1967; Wendt 1995), and it is not realistic to envisage undisturbed assemblages where artefact and bone

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion