Innovative Neanderthals: Results from an integrated analytical approach applied to backed stone tools

Techno-functional and 3D shape analysis applied for investigating the variability of backed tools in the Late Middle Paleolithic of Central Europe

“…Scrapers, whose angles are always very similar to the Keilmesser, were found to have only a slight increase of angles, which can be related to the fewer influence of retouching respect to their volume. On the contrary, flakes don't record any increase but the opposite: since flakes were not furtherly reduced, we can assert that small backed flakes were manufactured with a narrower active angle probably for their high functionality for precision and fine activities, as demonstrated within Discoid assemblages [75]. For this reason, we found that weight could represent a measure of reduction if applied to heavily reduced Keilmesser tools, but in the case of flake blanks it is more likely to represent the initial blank size.…”

“…Future perspectives, in this sense, may also come from a more intense and targeted experimental protocol aimed at measuring the efficiency of Keilmesser in relation to other similar backed tools typical of other techno-complexes, in order to further quantify the ecological efficiency or the presumed cutural valence. The backing concept, here embedded in the raw blank use strategies, is particularly important in this chrono-cultural phase, when intentional backing by means of retouch appears in relation to specialized and precision tools [75]. In this sense, the bifacial shaping of back's angles and conjunctions seems to be a peculiar technical behavior, not documented elsewhere, that deserves an indepth investigation.…”

“…In the final Middle Paleolithic, backed tools acquired a particular importance from both a behavioral and a cognitive point of view. The post-determination of the back by means of abrupt direct retouch is well attested in different European techno-complexes [48,74,75]. This additional technical investment is supposed to enhances the performance by improving the prehensive grip or to adapt the tool for hafting.…”

“…Many technical arrangements are adopted to further configure, adapt or accommodate the already existing back. Among the analyzed material, Type 1 and Type 2 according to the classification by Delpiano et al [75] are recorded. A direct intervention at the back through abrupt or semi-abrupt retouch is noticeable in 26 cases, which are mostly backed scrapers (Fig 9).…”

“…Therefore, schemes 6 and 6b could also represent Keilmesser variants adapted to small-size blanks and plaquettes made on Jurahornstein and particularly on small Radiolarite and Lydite pebbles, characterized by segmented and strongly convex natural edges (Fig 18). A certain correlation between tool shape, raw material type and dimensions could imply functional and ergonomic reasons: the smaller tools generally need a curved back to facilitate the manual handling [75]. Conversely, pointed Keilmesser are manufactured on a wider variety of blanks and raw materials, including Cretaceous Cherts and quartzites, which are thicker and heavier, allowing for the power needed by a larger cutting tool provided of a perforating point.…”