Functional analysis of the lithic assemblage of Gombore IB (Melka Kunture, Ethiopia): looking for traces of use, but finding post-depositional problems

Abstract

Early Stone Age (ESA) archaeological complexes pose significant challenges for traceological analysis due to the preservation conditions of their contexts. At Gombore I (Melka Kunture, Ethiopia), lithic materials attributed to Level B are often associated with flood-prone or riparian zones, and thus subject to post-depositional alterations such as aeolian abrasion and trampling. Additionally, the diversity and nature of raw materials, mainly volcanic rocks like obsidian and basalt, further complicate use-wear studies. In this study we present preliminary findings from the Gombore IB lithic assemblage, which is attributed to the ESA, with significant levels associated with the Acheulean technocomplex. Initial sampling, based on visual inspection, prioritized artefacts deemed suitable for traceology. However, macro- and microscopic analyses revealed extensive surface alterations, limiting the preservation of use-wear traces and rendering traditional analysis unviable. Our research therefore focused on developing a broader analytical framework which could use these preservation issues for interpretations on site formation processes in the archaeological record. By employing dedicated experimental protocols to compare with the archaeological assemblage, this study establishes an initial use-wear pattern associated with post-depositional alteration. The lithic assemblage from Gombore IB offers valuable insights, which we apply to interpret the site's formation processes. These data, in conjunction with spatial analyses, yield promising results and highlight the value of integrating preservation assessments into traceological studies, emphasizing the importance of context in interpreting ESA archaeological records.