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Micro-abrasion of flint artifacts by mobile sediments: a taphonomic approach

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Abstract

Fluvial redeposition of stone artifacts is a major complicating factor in the interpretation of Lower Palaeolithic open-air archaeological sites. However, the microscopic examination of lithic surfaces may provide valuable background information on the transport history of artifacts, particularly in low energy settings. Replica flint artifacts were therefore abraded in an annular flume and examined with a scanning electron microscope. Results showed that abrasion time, sediment size, and artifact transport mode were very sensitive predictors of microscopic surface abrasion, ridge width, and edge damage (p < 0.000). These results suggest that patterns of micro-abrasion of stone artifacts may enhance understanding of archaeological assemblage formation in fluvial contexts

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Reading, Reading, Berks, UK

    Wei Chu & Rob Hosfield

  2. Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK

    Charlie Thompson

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  1. Wei Chu
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Correspondence to Wei Chu.

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Chu, W., Thompson, C. & Hosfield, R. Micro-abrasion of flint artifacts by mobile sediments: a taphonomic approach. Archaeol Anthropol Sci 7, 3–11 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-013-0157-0

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