Traceology

Evaluating the microscopic effect of brushing stone tools as a cleaning procedure

The main goal of this study was to test the influence of different cleaning procedures applied on micro surface texture of stone tools. With this paper, we also aimed to stress-out the need of adopting cleaning methods that do not affect the microscopi analysis of artifacts surface.

New and old technologies to understand MP human tool technology, design, and use

NeanderCloud (funded by DFG)

TraCEr - Laboratory for Traceology and Controlled Experiments

TraCEr, at MONREPOS-LEIZA

A versatile mechanized setup for controlled experiments in archeology

This paper aims to discuss the contribution of using mechanical apparatus on archaeological experimentation. In this paper, this discussion is illustrated by the presentation of a versatile linear __robot__ used in our experimental workshop at MONREPOS.

Rethinking Use-Wear Analysis and Experimentation as Applied to the Study of Past Hominin Tool Use

In this paper we discuss major topic related to use-wear analysis and, the importance of archaeological experimentation. As needed, we review the state-of-the-art on use-wear methods and experiments and, at the same time, hightlight the need of methodological standards and protocols. One of the most importance aspects discussed in our study is also the holistic perspective that researchers should take when inferring on stone tool use.

Back to the edge: relative coordinate system for use-wear analysis

Research on stone tool use has shown the importance of sequential experimentation. To evaluate the development of use-wear traces during tool use, the documentation and analysis of the same location on the tools' surface is crucial. In this paper we present a new method based on the implementation of a local coordinate system on experimental sample.

The effect of numerical aperture on quantitative use-wear studies and its implication on reproducibility

Use-wear studies rely heavily on experiments and reference collections to infer the function of archeological artifacts. Sequential experiments, in particular, are necessary to understand how use-wear develops. Consequently, it is crucial to analyze …

Why should traceology learn from dental microwear, and vice-versa?

Interdisciplinarity leads to fundamental knowledge and methods combination between disciplines. Having this in mind, in this paper we track all major theoretical and methodological developments on two closed-related disciplines, dental microwear and use-wear. The main goal here was to discuss how the two disciplines improved and, at the same time, how much still need to be done in order to combine both methodologies and approaches. While methods seems to that have been established in one discipline, they tend to be marginally applied in the other.

On the origins of human technological innovations, the Late Middle-to-Upper Paleolithic transition in the Levant

Innovations (funded by Leakey foundation)

The role of artificial contact materials in experimental use-wear studies: A controlled proxy to understand use-wear polish formation

This paper is dedicated to the evaluate the importance of using standard contact material in laboratory experimental replications, in particular in use-wear studies.