Journal of Archaeological Science最新文献

{"title":"On Liangzhu Culture Tremolite-Tempered Pottery: Social complexity, logistical networks and cross-craft interaction in Neolithic China","authors":"Xiaohan Zhao ,&nbsp;Ye Zhao ,&nbsp;Xiaoli Qin ,&nbsp;Rong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2024.106000","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2024.106000","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This investigation delves into the utilization of tremolite, a rare mineral, as a pottery temper for cooking vessels of the late Neolithic lower Yangtze Liangzhu culture. Raman spectroscopy analysis of 165 mineral-tempered pottery sherds from the Dazemiao site revealed that tremolite was the predominant tempering material for tripods (<em>ding</em>), whereas a mixture of feldspar and quartz was used for open-topped vats (<em>da-kou-gang</em>). SEM images indicate that the tremolite temper exhibits relatively coarse fiber structure, corresponding to one of the nephrite materials used for the Liangzhu jade. It is suggested that the Liangzhu miners reallocated materials according to nephrite quality, formulating different product lines, including different types of jade objects and pottery temper. Additionally, the utilization of tremolite temper persisted throughout the entire Liangzhu culture. The presence of tremolite-tempered pottery in regions without indigenous tremolite mines necessitated robust logistical networks for the transportation of these bulky materials. The tremolite temper not only reconfirms the strong ‘jade culture’ of Liangzhu, but also provides evidence of extensive socio-economic exchanges between different geographical regions on the Yangtze River delta.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"167 ","pages":"Article 106000"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141243533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Micro-photogrammetry and traceology: new on-site documentation approaches using portable digital microscopes","authors":"Giulia Previti,&nbsp;Beatrice Luci,&nbsp;Cristina Lemorini","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2024.106004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jas.2024.106004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This paper introduces a novel micro-photogrammetric application for the examination of technological traces using a portable digital microscope. The aim is to evaluate its potential, advantages, and level of detail within the context of traceology studies, highlighting its importance in particular for field documentation of unmovable items. The technique is non-invasive and applicable to samples that cannot be transported outside their regions/countries of origin.</p><p>Moreover, this methodological presentation aims to provide an extensive account of the utilized technology, the accessories, the possible uses and a series of experiments designed to replicate environmental and logistical conditions commonly encountered in the field.</p><p>The goal is also to compare a 3D model obtained with a portable digital microscope to one obtained with a camera equipped with a macro lens, in order to highlight the level of detail achieved in trace visualization.</p><p>The results are also expanded and discussed, including an examination of an archaeological case study. Additionally, to evaluate the validity and accuracy of the detected traces, the data obtained has been analyzed in the context of a qualitative assessment conducted using a stereomicroscope coupled with an optical fiber reflected light system.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"168 ","pages":"Article 106004"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305440324000724/pdfft?md5=50088b84b7c4001dab3a640898b638de&pid=1-s2.0-S0305440324000724-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141182423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neanderthal hunting grounds: The case of Teixoneres Cave (Spain) and Pié Lombard rockshelter (France)","authors":"Antigone Uzunidis ,&nbsp;Ruth Blasco ,&nbsp;Jean-Philip Brugal ,&nbsp;Tiffanie Fourcade ,&nbsp;Juan Ochando ,&nbsp;Jordi Rosell ,&nbsp;Audrey Roussel ,&nbsp;Anna Rufà ,&nbsp;Maria Fernanda Sánchez Goñi ,&nbsp;Pierre-Jean Texier ,&nbsp;Florent Rivals","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2024.106007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2024.106007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The study of Neanderthal-Environment interactions very often lacks precise data that match the chrono-geographical frame of human activities. Here, we reconstruct Neanderthals’ hunting grounds within three distinct habitats using dental microwear analysis combined with zooarchaeological data. The predation patterns toward ungulates are discussed in term of frequency (NISP/MNI) and potential meat intake (MAM). Unit IIIa of Teixoneres Cave (MIS 3, NE Spain) corresponds to a mosaic landscape, Unit IIIb was more forested, and, in the “Ensemble” II of Pié Lombard (MIS 4, SE France), forest cover dominated. At Pié Lombard, Neanderthals rely on a high diversity of taxa from closed and semi-open hunting grounds, mostly two ungulate species as well as rabbits and several bird taxa. At Teixoneres Cave, mainly open areas are exploited in summer with a predation mostly focused on large gregarious ungulates. The larger size of ungulate herds in open spaces may have allowed Neanderthals to restrict their subsistence behaviour only to very few species, in specific hunting strategies. In Unit IIIa, they do not appear to have made any selection within the most abundant species, while in Unit IIIb, they focused on aurochs and also opportunistically and heavily on newborn red deer. Neanderthal subsistence strategies seem, therefore, only partially linked to the hunting grounds they had access to. While it impacted the diversity of the prey they selected, Neanderthal groups were able to develop distinct hunting strategies within similar environments.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"168 ","pages":"Article 106007"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030544032400075X/pdfft?md5=6b5096476c5caea62651d06b1be37130&pid=1-s2.0-S030544032400075X-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141163375","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"SPEED-E: A modified version of the sample preparation by Easy extraction and Digestion(-free) protocol for enamel-based sex estimation in archaeological remains","authors":"Timothy P. Cleland ,&nbsp;Sara A. McGuire ,&nbsp;Jared S. Beatrice ,&nbsp;Kimberlee S. Moran ,&nbsp;Christine A.M. France","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2024.106006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2024.106006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Accurate estimation of biological sex in archaeological human remains is critical when considering demographic, resource partitioning, and various sex-based cultural issues in historic societies. Recent developments in paleoproteomics of enamel have allowed for the estimation of biological sex through sex chromosome-linked amelogenins. This method is highly advantageous when traditional osteological sex estimation is precluded by incompleteness, poor preservation, or juvenile age. Here, we have developed Sample Preparation by Easy Extraction and Digestion-free for Enamel (SPEED-E), building on the Sample Preparation by Easy Extraction and Digestion (SPEED) method and direct stage tip clean-up used in paleoproteomic studies. The SPEED-E protocol is similar in extraction time to acid etching protocols, is overall much shorter than digestion-based protocols, and uses relatively less sample. This new method facilitates a rapid analysis of large sample batches where sample value is high and sample material is very limited. Using SPEED-E, we were able to estimate the sex of 85 of 89 deciduous and permanent teeth from the assemblage of archaeological human skeletal remains from the historic First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. The indeterminate teeth had limited or no detected amelogenins because of overprinting larger proteins, likely from sampled dentin.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"168 ","pages":"Article 106006"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141094865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multiple luminescence dating on heated materials at the nanzuo archaeological site, central Chinese Loess Plateau","authors":"Daobin Tang ,&nbsp;Xiangjun Liu ,&nbsp;Guanghui Dong ,&nbsp;Jianye Han ,&nbsp;Xiaoning Zhang ,&nbsp;Kartika Goswami ,&nbsp;Xianjiao Ou","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2024.106005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2024.106005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Nanzuo is a key Neolithic archaeological site in the central Chinese Loess Plateau (CCLP). The site is important for understanding the origin and development of the Chinese civilization, yet, it lacks a robust chronological framework. The current work, for the first time, dates two different types of heated materials (pottery and burnt soil) from a profile near the main excavation of the Nanzuo archaeological site using various luminescence dating techniques. These techniques included single grain (SG) quartz OSL and K-feldspar post-infrared infrared-stimulated (pIRIR) dating for burnt soil samples and pottery, and pIRIR dating for pottery slices using the rock surface luminescence technique (RSL). The reliability of luminescence dating was investigated by comparing SG quartz, K-feldspar and pottery slice ages with radiocarbon (¹⁴C) ages obtained from the same cultural layer. The results show that the SG quartz OSL and K-feldspar pIRIR₂₂₅ age estimates of the two coarse potteries are consistent with the ¹⁴C ages, however, the age estimates of the pottery slice (NZ22-CPS150) are significantly younger, which is primarily explained by underestimation in equivalent doses (D_e). Moreover, it is noted that while there is a considerable variation in the D_e of coarse pottery slices with depth, no significant correlation is observed between K- content and D_e. Heterogeneous K content was revealed by μ-XRF scanning on coarse pottery slices. Conversely, fine pottery displayed homogeneous K-content distribution and age estimates consistent with the ¹⁴C ages. Thus fine pottery slices are suggested to be more suitable for pIRIR dating relative to coarse pottery slices. The underestimation of D_e values in mixed minerals is observed as the primary reason for underestimated slice ages compared to SG K-feldspar, with grain size of K-feldspar and K content variation playing only a minor role. Therefore, by integrating the ¹⁴C ages with the luminescence ages of the pottery, it is inferred that human occupation of the Nanzuo site occurred around 5100 to 4500 years ago, which aligns with the ¹⁴C ages obtained from the main section of the Nanzuo site. The current work further concludes that the single-grain luminescence dating method is reliable for pottery. The study recommends to prioritize materials characterized by relatively uniform potassium (K) content for pIRIR dating using pottery slices.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"167 ","pages":"Article 106005"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141090418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Past human decision-making based on stone tool performance: Experiments to test the influence of raw material variability and edge angle design on tool function","authors":"Lisa Schunk ,&nbsp;Ivan Calandra ,&nbsp;Anja Cramer ,&nbsp;Walter Gneisinger ,&nbsp;João Marreiros","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2024.106003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2024.106003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>One of the main interests in the interpretation of the archaeological record and its variability within and through time and space is the production and use of past human stone tool technologies. Tool design and function are inevitably intertwined and strongly related to tool use. Understanding tool design provides information about early human technological adaptations and reflects human behaviour in the sense of conscious or unconscious decision-making. Nevertheless, the reason for major changes (including novelties, innovations, and loss) in past human stone tool technology is still poorly understood. A comprehensive approach focusing on tool function (What was the tool meant for?) and use (What was the tool used for?) can help to overcome this gap. While tool function (including performance) can be investigated experimentally, tool use can be addressed with use-wear analyses. These questions can be best investigated on technological systems showing little tool variability but strong evidence of maintenance and long-term use, such as Middle Palaeolithic industries.</p><p>The Late Middle Palaeolithic record of Central and Eastern Europe is marked by the emergence of an asymmetric tool-type called <em>Keilmesser</em> (bifacial backed knives). Due to their sophisticated morphology, <em>Keilmesser</em> as a case study offer the potential to address aspects of raw material selection, tool production, maintenance, and reworking.</p><p>This paper presents the results of an experiment designed to study the tool performance of <em>Keilmesser</em> from three archaeological sites, namely Balver Höhle, the Upper site of Buhlen and Grotte de Ramioul by testing raw material, edge angle and movement as independent variables. A highly controlled, sequential experiment was conducted using a mechanical device performing unidirectional cutting and carving movements on hard contact material. Results demonstrate the possibility to perform the mentioned task with 35° and 45° edge angles, maintaining function, albeit at differing levels of efficiency. The data has a direct impact on the interpretation of the archaeological assemblages regarding aspects such as stone tool morphology and resharpening. At the same time, the study highlights the importance of raw material analysis to understand the variability in the archaeological record and the implications on past human decision-making strategies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"167 ","pages":"Article 106003"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141077803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A comparative study of commercially available, minimally invasive, sampling methods on Early Neolithic humeri analysed via palaeoproteomics","authors":"Jakob Hansen ,&nbsp;Joannes Dekker ,&nbsp;Gaudry Troché ,&nbsp;Zandra Fagernäs ,&nbsp;Jesper V. Olsen ,&nbsp;Maria Saña Seguí ,&nbsp;Frido Welker","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2024.106002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2024.106002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Due to methodological advances in the archaeological sciences, an increasing number of archaeological specimens undergo destructive sampling. However, the preservation of cultural heritage is a primary concern. This leads to a dilemma between accessing sample material and obtaining sufficient information for a meaningful analytical outcome. Ideally, sampling a specimen would preserve the object for further macro, micro, and molecular analyses. For palaeoproteomics, a number of minimally invasive sampling approaches have been proposed, representing different benefits and limitations. There have been studies comparing a selection of these protocols, however, these have focused on specimens from a homogenous preservation environment using Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS). Here we expand on earlier work by extending the comparison to specimens from two highly different preservation environments through both ZooMS and liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We compare five sampling approaches and seven extraction protocols in total, on 10 <em>Bos</em> sp. humeri from the Early Neolithic site of La Draga, Spain, utilising MALDI-ToF MS and LC-MS/MS to generate proteomic output, while assessing protocol invasiveness using microscopy and 3D imaging. Five humeri originate from Sector A, which is mostly related to dry, terrestrial preservation conditions, while the other five humeri stem from Sector B, which is characterised by its phreatic/aquatic preservation conditions. We show that there is a significant difference in protein recovery and taxonomic specificity between the sampling techniques applied, as well as between burial conditions. Additionally, various surface modifications were observed depending on the specific sampling technique applied. It is therefore essential to assess protein preservation for each sedimentological context within an archaeological site before performing extensive sampling, as protein preservation can be highly inter- and intra-site-specific.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"167 ","pages":"Article 106002"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305440324000700/pdfft?md5=5c14860be2d248108de77e8cd481e41b&pid=1-s2.0-S0305440324000700-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141072983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Utilising ancient DNA to understand crop population dynamics across a millennium: A case study of archaeological barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) from Gran Canaria, Spain","authors":"Jenny Hagenblad ,&nbsp;Jacob Morales ,&nbsp;Matti W. Leino ,&nbsp;Robin Abbey-Lee ,&nbsp;Amelia C. Rodríguez-Rodríguez ,&nbsp;Jonathan Santana","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2024.106001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2024.106001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Landraces are described as genetically diverse, dynamic populations of unimproved crops. However, studying the development of a landrace population over longer periods of time has rarely been done due to a lack of suitable archaeological materials. The indigenous grain silos of Gran Canaria provide a unique opportunity for genetically analysing multiple specimens from the same time period as well as sampling the same population at multiple time points. Here we report a genetic study of a landrace barley (<em>Hordeum vulgare</em> L.) sampled repeatedly over a period of 1400 years. We successfully enriched extracted aDNA for the barley exome using capture techniques and present sequencing data from ten archaeological and six extant samples. The results show that the landrace barley population of Gran Canaria has not undergone any dramatic genetic turnover or influx of new genetic material since the 7th century CE, but that the scale of cultivation seems to have varied. We detect smaller temporal changes of the genetic composition during the studied period and suggest that these changes reflect natural selection for adaptation to a changing climate and a dynamic agricultural society.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"167 ","pages":"Article 106001"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305440324000694/pdfft?md5=f872ff3b5dadf38faf95624a679efbaa&pid=1-s2.0-S0305440324000694-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141067746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A new method for quantifying flake scar organisation on cores using orientation statistics","authors":"Sam C. Lin ,&nbsp;Chris Clarkson ,&nbsp;I Made Agus Julianto ,&nbsp;Anton Ferdianto ,&nbsp;Jatmiko ,&nbsp;Thomas Sutikna","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2024.105998","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jas.2024.105998","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In stone artefact studies, researchers often rely on qualitative classifications to describe flake scar arrangements on cores. While this approach provides a broad overview of core reduction patterns, its application can be ambiguous due to the three-dimensional complexities of core geometry and the subjective nature of qualitative classifications, making it challenging to objectively compare flake scar patterning across different analytical settings. In this study, we present a new approach to quantify one aspect of flake scar arrangement on cores: the three-dimensional orientation of core scar negatives. Using standardised digital and experimentally flintknapped cores, we demonstrate that statistical techniques from fabric analysis can quantitatively characterise the scar orientation profile of cores. Importantly, this method is able to reveal variations in the flake scar arrangements of informal cores, such as multiplatform cores. When applied to a sample of multiplatform cores from the <em>Homo floresiensis</em> type-site of Liang Bua in Indonesia, we identify differences in flake scar orientation between cores made by <em>Homo floresiensis</em> and those manufactured by modern humans who utilised the site after the disappearance of the extinct hominin. This finding suggests a possible divergence in stone knapping practices between the two hominin taxa at Liang Bua. Overall, our research provides a new quantitative approach to gain new insights into hominin technological behaviour through stone artefact analysis. It also highlights the potential of 3D analysis for advancing the field of archaeological lithic research.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"167 ","pages":"Article 105998"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305440324000669/pdfft?md5=8964296451b9ae56dc15e1be45ae22c3&pid=1-s2.0-S0305440324000669-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141061316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A multi-analytical approach reveals flexible compound adhesive technology at Steenbokfontein Cave, Western Cape","authors":"Alessandro Aleo ,&nbsp;Antonieta Jerardino ,&nbsp;Rivka Chasan ,&nbsp;Myrto Despotopoulou ,&nbsp;Dominique J.M. Ngan-Tillard ,&nbsp;Ruud W.A. Hendrikx ,&nbsp;Geeske H.J. Langejans","doi":"10.1016/j.jas.2024.105997","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2024.105997","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Evidence of different compound resin-based adhesives is present in South Africa from at least 77000 years ago. Ancient glue production is considered one of the oldest known highly complex technologies, requiring advanced technological and mental abilities. However, our current knowledge of adhesive materials, recipes, and uses in South Africa is limited by the lack of in-depth analysis and molecular characterization of residues. To deepen our knowledge of past adhesive technology, we performed a detailed multi-analytical analysis (use-wear, XRD, μ-CT, IR spectroscopy, GC-MS) of 30 Later Stone Age tools with adhesive remains from Steenbokfontein Cave, South Africa. At the site, tools made of various rocks were hafted with compound adhesives, and we identified three recipes: 1) resin/tar of <em>Widdringtonia</em> or <em>Podocarpus</em> species combined with hematite; 2) resin/tar of <em>Widdringtonia</em> or <em>Podocarpus</em> species mixed with hematite and another plant exudate; 3) resin/tar without hematite. The studied scrapers were used in hide-working activities, and the studied cutting tools were used to work animal and soft plant matters. All scrapers display evidence of intense resharpening and were discarded when no longer useable. The combination of different methods for residue analysis reveals the flexibility of adhesive technology at Steenbokfontein. Despite the consistent use of conifer resin/tar throughout the sequence, we observed that other ingredients were added or excluded independently of the tools’ raw materials and functions. Our results highlight the long-lasting tradition of using adhesive material from conifer species but also the adaptability and flexibility of adhesive traditions. The systematic application of this multi-analytical approach to Pleistocene adhesives will be useful to better characterise adhesive traditions and enhance the debate on the technological, cognitive, and behavioural implications of this technology.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50254,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Archaeological Science","volume":"167 ","pages":"Article 105997"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305440324000657/pdfft?md5=b14e26ec8e5a0e3da29d2921d9dfeedc&pid=1-s2.0-S0305440324000657-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140951339","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}