Chapter Title
Stone Tool Perforating and Retouch Intensity: A Neolithic Case Study
Type of Work
Book Chapter
Publication Date
2008
Book Title
Lithic Technology: Measures of Production Use and Curation
Book Editor
William Andrefsky, Jr.
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
City
New York, NY, USA
First Page
150
Last Page
174
ISBN
9780521888271
Abstract
A measure of retouch intensity, the EKCI, was devised based upon function and archaeological context. To arrive at the function of Pre-Pottery Neolithic A el-Khiam points from the Near East, controlled experiments were performed to determine the relative density of the contact material, which could affect use and retouch patterns. It was shown that el-Khiam points were likely used to pierce and scrape soft materials such as leather. The EKCI was then devised, measured, and tested. Experimental replication showed that the EKCI was an accurate measure of retouch intensity, and application of the EKCI to the lithic assemblage at Dhra’ reaffirmed the EKCI’s utility for analyzing PPNA archaeological assemblages. Although this curation index is effective for el-Khiam points, it may not be applicable toother hafted point types, which highlights the need for independently developed measures of retouch that account for the form, function, and context of the artifacts rather than attempting to generate universal measures of curation.
Citation Information
Quinn, Colin P.; Andrefsky, William Jr.; Kuijt, Ian; and Finlayson, Bill, "Stone Tool Perforating and Retouch Intensity: A Neolithic Case Study" (2008). Hamilton Digital Commons.
https://digitalcommons.hamilton.edu/chapters/166
Hamilton Areas of Study
Anthropology
Notes
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