The application of 3D modeling and spatial analysis in the study of groundstones used in wild plants processing

Abstract

In recent years, several works have proved the reliability of the application of 3D modeling and spatial analysis in the study of stone tool use. Monitoring surface morphometry resulting from the use of lithic tools has the potential to objectively quantify and identify patterns of modifications associated to specific activities and worked materials. In particular, the combination of surface morphometry with a systematic experimental framework and use wear analysis has the potential of foreseeing residue distribution areas over the groundstone surfaces, hence providing a key aid in establishing sampling strategies applied to archeological specimens. Here, we propose an approach that applies 3D modeling, performed through a close-range photogrammetry, and the use of GIS software to investigate surface modifications and residue distribution on groundstones used to process wild plants. Our work comprises a dedicated experimental framework in which modern tool replicas have been used to process different species of wild plant foods through grinding, crushing, and pounding. By applying 3D modeling and spatial analysis, we were able to characterize patterns of surface modifications related to each of the worked substances and activities performed. Moreover, we monitored the distribution of starch granules over the experimental groundstone surfaces and its variation in relation to the state of the worked substance and the action carried out. Our results provide one of the first experimental dataset focused on the use of groundstones for wild plant processing, and a reliable methodology for further studies related to the exploitation of stone technology and wild vegetal substances in the past.

Spatial Analysis of Pottery Presence at the Former Pobedim Hillfort (an Archeological Site in Slovakia)

“…This analysis confirmed that the study area was economically utilized almost during the whole studied period. The advantages of analyzing the historical, topographic maps and orthophotos for the research of archaeological findings were also pointed out in the works of Zupancich et al [44], Gennaro et al [45], Tache et al [46], Drap et al [47] and so on.…”

Functional analysis of sandstone ground stone tools: arguments for a qualitative and quantitative synergetic approach

“…We also investigated the role of residue adhering to the used surfaces and its impact on surface measurements and appearance. Our results indicate that, while the application of synergetic approaches is still rare 11,12,14,19,20,23,30 , the combination of qualitative and quantitative analyses is likely to provide accurate and reliable functional interpretations where the researcher's subjectivity has an active role. We also offer a preliminary quantitative functional dataset associated with the use of sandstone GSTs and discuss the interpretative potential of specific variables for assessing different materials.…”

“…3D models of the experimental replicas were created through Close Range Photogrammetry 38 . Using the same acquisition standards applied by Zupancich et al 12 To analyze the topography of each tool in its entirety, a 360° surface analysis was performed following the methodology proposed by Benito-Calvo et al 11 . At first, a convex hull was created in Meshlab (v.2020.03) for each tool.…”

“…In particular, a low degree of accuracy in blind tests has been pointed (see 2,3 ) together with the need to implement quantitative approaches to obtain more accurate use wear datasets and guarantee the comparability and reproducibility of functional results 3,4 . In this regard, several works have discussed the application of quantitative methods focused on surface measurements to knapped and ground stone tools (henceforth GSTs), at both macro and microscale [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] . A variety of equipment and techniques has been tested, including confocal microscopy 5,6,9,15 , atomic force microscopy 16 , surface textural imaging 17 , laser profilometry 9,18 and 3D modelling [11][12][13]14,19,20 .…”

Sandstone Ground Stone Technology: a Multi-level Use Wear and Residue Approach to Investigate the Function of Pounding and Grinding Tools

“…A large variety of qualitative and quantitative techniques, including use wear analysis, mechanical tests, 3D modelling, surface morphometrics, spatial and residue analyses and experimental frameworks have been proposed (Arroyo and de la Torre 2020;Benito-Calvo et al 2015Caricola et al 2018;Caruana et al 2014;Delgado-Raack et al 2009;Hayes et al 2017;Hayes and Rots 2019;Procopiou et al 2002;Zupancich et al 2019). However, scholars have debated the lack of a shared analytical protocol for functional analysis (Cnuts and Rots 2018;Hayes et al 2017;Marreiros et al 2020;Zupancich et al 2019). In particular, arguments have been raised concerning the application of qualitative and quantitative approaches, the protocols for extracting ancient residues and the risk of modern contamination.…”