Acta Anthropologica Sinica ›› 2020, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (02): 193-207.doi: 10.16359/j.cnki.cn11-1963/q.2019.0054

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An experimental study of use-wear on dolomite microblades from Shuidonggou

YU Guanyue1, YI Mingjie1, ZHANG Xiaoling2,3,*(), CHEN Fuyou2,3   

  1. 1. School of History, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872
    2. Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100044
    3. CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing 100044
  • Received:2018-12-18 Online:2020-05-15 Published:2020-07-17
  • Contact: ZHANG Xiaoling E-mail:zhangxiaoling@ivpp.ac.cn

Abstract:

Shuidonggou is an important Late Paleolithic Site complex in North China. The raw materials are mainly local dolomite. In this paper, we conducted 29 groups of microwear experiments with microblades and flakes made of dolomite from the Shuidonggou region. The results indicate that use-wear differs according to the different tool motions and the varied worked materials. It is efficient for microblades to be hafted and employed as composite tools. The lateral edges of hafted microblades are efficient for scraping, cutting and shaving, and the points (distal ends) of microblades are suitbale for low hardness plants and animals. The use-wear produced by the same activities shows varied characteristics on artifacts made of different raw materials. We discussed the appropriate scope of tool motions and worked materials for microblades, and provide reference data for further functional study of microblades unearthed from Shuidonggou site.

Key words: Shuidonggou site, dolomite, microblade, microwear experiment

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