Biographies of Swiderian blades – various examples from the Polish territory

Abstract

The article discusses the use of unretouched blades by Swiderian societies. To answer the question regarding the function of the artefacts, we analysed macroscopically and microscopically selected blades from five sites: Kołomań, Kielce district, Świętokrzyskie voivodship, Sulejówek Site 4, Mińsk district, Mazowieckie voivodship, Kochlew Site 1, Krzeczów Site 2 and Troniny Site 5, Wieluń district, Łódzkie voivodship. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the unretouched blades, although fulfilling the conditions of being tools, were not used in everyday activities. We can presume that the unretouched blades were usually treated among the Swiderian societies as a waste product, or an element of exchanges or stock.