“…In order to describe retouchers exhibiting intentional spall negatives, we have performed a scar pattern/working steps analysis used to reconstruct tool-manufacturing sequences. Scar pattern analysis was based on the reconstruction of manufacturing and rejuvenation stages of lithic artifacts as well as on the chronological order of each stage in the manufacturing process (Pastoors, 2000;Kot, 2014;Shalagina et al, 2015;Shalagina et al, 2019a,b).…”
Section: Materials and Methods Of Analysismentioning
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.
“…In order to describe retouchers exhibiting intentional spall negatives, we have performed a scar pattern/working steps analysis used to reconstruct tool-manufacturing sequences. Scar pattern analysis was based on the reconstruction of manufacturing and rejuvenation stages of lithic artifacts as well as on the chronological order of each stage in the manufacturing process (Pastoors, 2000;Kot, 2014;Shalagina et al, 2015;Shalagina et al, 2019a,b).…”
Section: Materials and Methods Of Analysismentioning
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 complex record of Neanderthal activity is preserved inside the cave, including a nearly complete sequence of lithic knapping, minus the core decortication stage, which apparently took place offsite. The abundant tool kit (comprising 25% of the lithic assemblage) is dominated by trapezoidal and leaf-shaped scrapers, simple scrapers, retouched points and truncated-faceted tools (Shalagina et al 2015;Kolobova et al 2019bKolobova et al , 2019a. A complete processing sequence of bone tools has also been recorded (Baumann et al 2020).…”
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.
“…Most of the cores exhibit a simple debitage process, with one or two platforms present. Only two truncated-facetted pieces have been identified (Figure 2d–e); these are flakes that exhibit a truncation face, which serves as a platform for the removal of one or more small flakes (Dibble & McPherron 2007; Shalagina et al 2015). Figure 2.Cores from the Huayang site (figure credit: Jian-ping Yue, You-qian Li & Shi-Xia Yang).…”
Section: The Pntp Lithic Assemblage Of Huayangmentioning
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