A closer look at Malaita's lithics. Preliminary results of a functional study of the lithic tools from Apunirereha and Ria, Solomon Islands

This paper presents the preliminary results of a functional analysis performed on the
lithic assemblages of two archaeological sites from the Solomon Islands: the knapping
workshop site of “Apunirereha” and the burial –living site “Ria rock shelter” (Malaita, Solo-
mon Islands). The functional study included the analysis of wear traces and residues on
a sample of lithic artefacts. All selected lithic artefacts were examined macro- and micro-
scopically, adjusting the methodology according to the preservation state of individual
artefacts and restricting the analysis to examination under low magnification in the case
of extensive post-depositional alterations. The preliminary results obtained confirmed
the presence of used and hafted artefacts and will contribute to a better understanding
of the function of these tools from both sites.