TY - JOUR
T1 - A novel approach to studies of prehistoric exploitation of stone tool materials using material composition, surface morphology, microstructure and mechanical properties
AU - Yonekura, Kaoru
AU - Hasegawa, Hiroyuki
AU - Hotta, Atsushi
AU - Suzuki, Tetsuya
PY - 2008/12/1
Y1 - 2008/12/1
N2 - For a comprehensive understanding of material exploitation in prehistory, we applied advanced analytical methods to Japanese prehistoric stone tool materials. Compositions, surface morphologies, microstructures and mechanical properties of the primary lithic materials were analysed. As a result of the tests on actual Palaeolithic artefacts, preferential material selection was observed based on composition, structure and other physical properties of the materials. Homogeneous materials composed of a single type of mineral - α-quartz - were intentionally selected for Palaeolithic tools regardless of the type of rock. These materials unexceptionally present higher hardness and strength. Moreover, materials composed of extremely fine crystal grains of ∼0.1 μm in size with highest hardness and strength were selectively used for sharp-edged blades. These results lead us to the conclusion that quantitative and objective analyses will give us precise information on prehistoric materials, which will enable us to make an analytical approach to the comprehension of prehistoric exploitation of stone materials. This could eventually complement the traditional interpretation of material exploitation based on conventional petrological classifications.
AB - For a comprehensive understanding of material exploitation in prehistory, we applied advanced analytical methods to Japanese prehistoric stone tool materials. Compositions, surface morphologies, microstructures and mechanical properties of the primary lithic materials were analysed. As a result of the tests on actual Palaeolithic artefacts, preferential material selection was observed based on composition, structure and other physical properties of the materials. Homogeneous materials composed of a single type of mineral - α-quartz - were intentionally selected for Palaeolithic tools regardless of the type of rock. These materials unexceptionally present higher hardness and strength. Moreover, materials composed of extremely fine crystal grains of ∼0.1 μm in size with highest hardness and strength were selectively used for sharp-edged blades. These results lead us to the conclusion that quantitative and objective analyses will give us precise information on prehistoric materials, which will enable us to make an analytical approach to the comprehension of prehistoric exploitation of stone materials. This could eventually complement the traditional interpretation of material exploitation based on conventional petrological classifications.
KW - Cognition
KW - Flexural strength test
KW - Material selection
KW - Mechanical properties
KW - Microstructure
KW - Mineral composition
KW - Palaeolithic raw material
KW - Scanning electron microscopy
KW - Transmission electron microscopy
KW - Vickers hardness test
KW - X-ray diffraction
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=60949087663&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=60949087663&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/j.1475-4754.2008.00374.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1475-4754.2008.00374.x
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:60949087663
VL - 50
SP - 727
EP - 746
JO - Archaeometry
JF - Archaeometry
SN - 0003-813X
IS - 5
ER -