The Use of 3D-Modeling for Reconstructing the Appearance and Function of Non-Utilitarian Items (the Case of Anthropomorphic Figurines from Tourist-2)

Харевич

Chistyakov

et al. 2022

Archaeol Anthropol Sci

Self Cite

When studying bone retouchers, researchers pay close attention to the morphological characteristics of the tool's active zone, and the lithic raw material processed. In our research, we found that the orientation of the bone retoucher in the hand and the grip employed to retain and manipulate it are crucial factors that affect the morphological characteristics of the retoucher's active zone. By examining two alternative grips for manipulating bone retouchers ((1) Using all the fingers of one hand in a power grip; (2) Using only the first three digits of one hand in a pinch grip), we found that when the retoucher is held in the first manner, the active area is larger, as is the amount of bone removed by the retoucher. When the retoucher was pinched with only three fingers in a precision grip, retouch damage was more densely concentrated and less bone was removed. The orientation of the retoucher in the hand and the grip employed have a greater influence on the active area than the extent of retoucher use, which we assessed by measuring the number of stone tool edges processed. By gripping the retoucher with all the fingers of one hand, the knapper automatically applies greater force, which results in the removal of more bone. Comparison of experimental bone retouchers with those recovered from Middle Paleolithic archaeological contexts in Cha-gyrskaya Cave (Altai, Russia) revealed that Altai Neanderthals practiced two methods of grasping bone retouchers, with a three-finger pinch grip being dominant.

mentioning

confidence: 99%

How Neanderthals gripped retouchers: experimental reconstruction of the manipulation of bone retouchers by Neanderthal stone knappers

Харевич

Chistyakov

et al. 2022

Archaeol Anthropol Sci

Self Cite

The application of geometric-morphometric shape analysis to Middle Paleolithic bone retouchers from the Altai Mountains, Russia

Quaternary International

Rendu

Шалагина

et al. 2020

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Here, we apply geometric-morphometric shape analysis to Middle Paleolithic bone retouchers from Chagyrskaya Cave in the Altai Mountains of southern Siberia. The cave contains evidence of the easternmost manifestation of the Micoquian industry, associated with Neanderthals at end of MIS4 and the beginning of MIS3. Taphonomic and scar pattern analyses were performed first on random samples exhibiting appropriate characteristics. Several retouchers produced on intentionally modified blanks were identified in our sample, suggesting that some of the Chagyrskaya Cave bone retouchers can be described as formal tools. All retouchers from Chagyrskaya Cave exhibit a similar general morphology. The most variable group is comprised of complete retouchers without blank modifications. Retouchers exhibiting minor damage affect the general pattern of variability and it is not possible to identify them only by means of geometric-morphometric shape analysis. Complete retouchers with blank modifications fall within the range of variability of complete retouchers without blank modification, suggesting intentional shaping of blanks to conform to a standard template. The range of variability of the bone retouchers does not differ significantly from that of the most highly modified lithic artifacts at Chagyrskayaplano-convex bifaceswhich may indicate intentional shape control for such artifacts. Geometric-morphometric analysis indicates that the anatomical origin of bone blanks does not significantly influence the retouchers' shape, which may point to strict blank selection and, at the same time, intentional modification. Our results raise questions regarding the integration of retouchers into a complex, multidimensional "chaine-op´eratoire" as well as the nature of Neanderthal cognitive abilities. Geometric-morphometric shape analysis represents a major step forward in the study of prehistoric retouchers.

A Method for Attributing Non-Refitting Fragments to a Single Artifact: The Case of Bronze Age Flat Figurines

Arheol. ètnogr. antropol. Evrazii

Chistyakov

Basova

et al. 2021

In recent decades, several new methods for studying archaeological artifacts, mostly based on digital technologies, have been developed. One of the most promising trends is 3D modeling, allowing researchers to deal with an exact virtual copy of the artifact, which can be manipulated in every way. We propose a new method for determining whether non-applicable fragments belong to one artifact, based on 3D modeling and mathematical statistics. After applying it to two (and possibly more) fragments, one gets an unambiguous answer as to whether the application is statistically reliable (i.e., falls within 95 % confidence limits). Precise computerized measurements on 3D models, following a single algorithm, allow us to verify the results. This method was tested on non-refitting fragments of figurines from the Bronze Age cemetery Tourist-2. Two anthropomorphic figurines from the same cemetery were used to verify the conclusions and elaborate the algorithm.