Learning from blind tests: Determining the function of experimental grinding stones through use-wear and residue analysis

Hayes, Elspeth H.; Cnuts, Dries; Lepers, Christian; Rots, Veerle

doi:10.1016/j.jasrep.2016.12.001

Article (Scientific journals)

Learning from blind tests: Determining the function of experimental grinding stones through use-wear and residue analysis

Hayes, Elspeth H.; Cnuts, Dries; Lepers, Christian et al.

2017 • In Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 11, p. 245 - 260

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

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https://hdl.handle.net/2268/204398

DOI
10.1016/j.jasrep.2016.12.001

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Keywords :

Functional analysis; Stone tools; Histological staining; Contamination; Grinding stones; Controlled experiments

Abstract :

[en] Abstract Blind tests provide an objective means to evaluate the accuracy of functional interpretations based on the presence of use-wear and residue traces on stone tools. Previous blind tests have highlighted interpretive errors commonly associated with use-wear and residue analyses leading to significant methodological developments in each of the respective fields. While a number of blind tests have been performed on flaked stone tools, only a single blind test has been published for use-wear on grinding tools. We present the results of a two-part blind test performed on 15 experimental grinding implements that were used in a controlled setting, designed to evaluate the relative importance of residue analysis for determining the worked material (1) when contextual information is available and (2) when contextual information is absent. We argue that use-wear and residue analyses are successful procedures to identify the use of grinding stones, and that residue analysis may be a particularly valuable means for determining the worked material on tools that have insufficient use-wear development. We suggest that residues should be sufficiently abundant to infer use, if we are to avoid the potential confusion caused by contamination.

Research Center/Unit :

TraceoLab/Préhistoire

Disciplines :

Archaeology

Author, co-author :

Hayes, Elspeth H.; University of Wollongong > Centre for archaeological sciences

Cnuts, Dries ; Université de Liège > Département des sciences historiques > Archéologie préhistorique

Lepers, Christian ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de sciences historiques > Archéologie préhistorique

Rots, Veerle ; Université de Liège > Département des sciences historiques > Archéologie préhistorique

Language :

English

Title :

Learning from blind tests: Determining the function of experimental grinding stones through use-wear and residue analysis

Publication date :

February 2017

Journal title :

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports

ISSN :

2352-409X

Publisher :

Elsevier

Volume :

Pages :

245 - 260

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Additional URL :

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352409X16306022

European Projects :

FP7 - 312283 - EVO-HAFT - Evolution of stone tool hafting in the Palaeolithic

Name of the research project :

Evohaft

Funders :

ERC - European Research Council
CE - Commission Europ�enne

Available on ORBi :

since 15 December 2016

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