Microscopic striations on flint sickle‐blades as an indication of plant cultivation: Preliminary results

Abstract

Abstract Preliminary experiments have shown that considerable numbers of microscopic striations form on sickle‐blades which have been used to harvest plants from tilled soils. Examination of ancient lustered blades has shown that similar striation patterns occur on a considerable number of blades from archaeological levels which have also yielded substantial finds of domesticated cereals. This suggests that the study of striations on lustered blades might provide direct independent evidence of early soil tillage and plant cultivation.