Constructing a more detailed picture of human-environment relations during the Quaternary through the functional analysis of stone tools

This presentation aims to show how the microscopic study of prehistoric stone tools—functional analysis—helps us understand the ways humans interacted with their environments throughout the Quaternary period. Functional analysis focusess on examining traces that were produced during use or production, including patterns of wear and residues. It addresses the issue of missing organic components in archaeological assemblages, showing how functional studies enable the reconstruction of interactions between stone tools and organic elements that have not survived. This approach not only deepens our understanding of tool use variability, but also provides valuable insights into the site activities and how hunter-gatherers interacted with changing environments.

Here, we explore how the study of stone tool collections from the wetland landscapes of the Lower-Scheldt basin enhances our understanding of human presence during the Early to Middle Holocene. These landscapes were vital habitats for human settlement, largely because of their distinctive vegetation, which attracted human populations. Our results suggest that the unique plant resources in these areas not only provided food but also materials for creating items like baskets, textiles, and ropes, making them key locations for early human settlements.