Techno-morphological characterization of pseudoartifacts produced by human trampling: experimental assessment on different lithic raw materials
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31048/1852.4826.v17.n2.44651Keywords:
Lithic technology, Lithic taphonomy, Actualism, Pseudotool, ClasificaciónAbstract
The action of taphonomic processes on rock fragments or on lithic artifacts may generate stone tool pseudomorphs. This is particularly the case if postdepositional processes acting upon lithics include percussion and/or pressure mechanisms. Trampling is one of the most ubiquitous taphonomic processes in archaeological contexts, in particular surface loci. In this paper, we present a techno-morphological characterization of experimental lithic pseudotools produced by human treadage in order to contribute to the identification of the taphonomic background noise within different regions. Experimental artifacts were analyzed using the main classification methodology applied by lithic analysts in Argentina, to maximize the comparability of the outcomes of this research. Edge damage, stone tool type, flake scar size, flaking pattern, etc., are described. Trampling experiences included several raw materials represented within Pampa and Patagonia archaeological assemblages. It allowed us to explore variations within trampling effects on different rocks and substrates as well as to generate expectations on the contribution of pseudotools to the archaeological assemblages.
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