Raw materials and trace formation: adapting reference frameworks to the reality in Southern Africa

Recent advances in functional studies, including the development of a method for identifying hafted tools, make this approach highly relevant for understanding early technologies. However, most of the reference framework is based on experimental work with flint, while the African archaeological record is characterised by a wide range of lithic raw materials, not all of which are well-studied in terms of use-wear formation. This can lead into difficulties in comparing tools within and between sites. We use the results of a blind test to address differential wear patterns on quartzite, dolerite, hornfels, and mudstone from Southern Africa. This test sheds light on the basic differences in macroscopic edge damage and microwear formation and allows evaluating biases analysts who are used to flint may be facing. We discuss the observations in the context of previous studies, and offer new guidelines for researchers who wish to tackle questions related to aspects of raw material economy and tool use in Southern Africa.