[Typological analysis of the Sauveterrian industry of Galgenbühel/Dos de la Forca (Bolzano).]Flint industry of the mesolithic site Galgenbühel/Dos de la Forca in the valley bottom of the Adige River (Bolzano, Italy) shows an unusual... more
[Typological analysis of the Sauveterrian industry of Galgenbühel/Dos de la Forca (Bolzano).]Flint industry of the mesolithic site Galgenbühel/Dos de la Forca in the valley bottom of the Adige River (Bolzano, Italy) shows an unusual typological structure of the retouched artefacts, which are dominated by common tools. On the base of the characteristics of microlithic armatures, compared to the ones recovered at the contemporaneous rockshelters of Romagnano Loc-III and Gaban (Trento), it is possible to ascribe the industry to the middle Sauveterrian, in accordance with the 14C dates. Keywords: Early Mesolithic, Middle Sauveterrian, Microlithic armatures.
For many decades the use of backed pieces from the Howiesons Poort, between about 70 ka and 55 ka ago, in South Africa has been a point of discussion. Recently direct evidence has been provided to associate these tools with Middle Stone... more
For many decades the use of backed pieces from the Howiesons Poort, between about 70 ka and 55 ka ago, in South Africa has been a point of discussion. Recently direct evidence has been provided to associate these tools with Middle Stone Age hunting strategies. Yet, whether they were used to tip hunting weapons or as barbs remained an open question. In this paper we introduce a set of pilot experiments designed to test the effectiveness of Howiesons Poort segments, the type fossils of the industry, hafted in four different configurations as tips for hunting weapons. It is shown that the morphological type can be used successfully in this way. We present the results of a macrofracture analysis conducted on the experimental tools and compare these to results obtained from three Howiesons Poort backed tool samples. By correlating experimental outcomes, macrofracture data and the interpretation of micro-residue distribution patterns, we provide some insight into the functional variables that might be associated with Howiesons Poort segments.
The study of the Sauveterrian lithic assemblages from the Galgenbühel/Dos de la Forca site (Salurn/Salorno, South Tyrol, Italy), situated in the bottom of the Adige River valley, concerns typological and technological analysis. The author... more
The study of the Sauveterrian lithic assemblages from the Galgenbühel/Dos de la Forca site (Salurn/Salorno, South Tyrol, Italy), situated in the bottom of the Adige River valley, concerns typological and technological analysis. The author investigates the choice of blanks used for producing different tool categories. Preliminary results suggest a strong selection of thin and elongated blanks for the production of backed tools, whilst a considerable part of the common tools derives from core preparation and maintenance processes. Three reduction sequences for blade production are recognized. Keywords: Early Mesolithic, backed tools, common tools, microburins, reduction sequences
