Effect of taphonomy on use-wear traces and residues

lteration of stone tools and residues by taphonomic processes is a key challenge for functional analysis. In entering the archaeological record, stone tools are exposed to a range of taphonomic processes, including trampling and exposure to sun, rain and wind, and later, after their burial, to various sediment processes such as bioturbation, cryoturbation, fluvial action, solifluction, and sediment diagenesis. This leads to the removal, transformation, and destruction of functional residues on stone tools and to the alteration of lithic edges and surfaces by mechanical and chemical processes. Excavation and post-excavation artefact processing and handling can also remove or add evidence. Archaeological residues and wear are therefore not usually comparable to those on freshly produced experimental tools, and analysts need to be able to account for the effects of taphonomy to reach reliable interpretations.

TraceoLab employs a two-pronged approach to cope with altered materials: 1) we base our archaeological analyses on a detailed understanding of the site context, and 2) we conduct experiments to simulate postdepositional processes and their effects. During archaeological analysis, available geoarchaeological data helps us understand the details of site formation and sediment chemistry in burial contexts. When possible, we also participate in on-going excavations of sites we are studying to benefit from first-hand field observations. The experimental work we have carried out thus far has involved burial, fire, and trampling experiments as well as the use of a climate chamber to replicate freeze-thaw cycles and the testing of the effect of ultraviolet light on residues and lithics with the help of a UV chamber.

Effect of taphonomy on use-wear traces and residues

Further reading