Stone tool function at the paleolithic sites of Starosele and Buran Kaya III, Crimea: Behavioral implications

TLDR

Stone tools are the most common cultural remains in Paleolithic sites, yet their function is poorly understood; at Starosele the Middle Paleolithic levels belong to the Micoquian Industry, while Buran Kaya III artifacts resemble an Early Streletskayan Industry of the early Upper Paleolithic. The authors used microscopic use‑wear and residue analyses, performed by two independent researchers, on artifacts from Starosele and Buran Kaya III to investigate tool function. Functional analyses indicate that hominids at both sites exploited woody and starchy plants, birds, and mammals, hafted a variety of tools, and possibly used projectile or thrusting spears, demonstrating broad‑based foraging across the Upper and Middle Paleolithic.

Abstract

Stone tools are often the most abundant type of cultural remains at Paleolithic sites, yet their function is often poorly understood. Investigations of stone tool function, including microscopic use-wear and residue analyses, were performed on a sample of artifacts from the Paleolithic sites of Starosele (40,000-80,000 years BP) and Buran Kaya III (32,000-37,000 years BP). The Middle Paleolithic levels at Starosele exhibit a typical variant of the local Micoquian Industry. The artifacts from Buran Kaya III most closely resemble an Early Streletskayan Industry associated with the early Upper Paleolithic. The results of the functional analyses suggest that hominids at both sites were exploiting woody and starchy plant material as well as birds and mammals. Both sites show evidence of hafting of a wide variety of tools and the possible use of projectile or thrusting spears. These analyses were performed by using two different techniques conducted by independent researchers. Combined residue and use-wear analyses suggest that both the Upper Paleolithic and Middle Paleolithic hominids at these sites were broad-based foragers capable of exploiting a wide range of resources.