Abstract: Taphonomic experiments regarding the eolith controversy are one important approach in distinguishing the authenticity of stone tools. The newly-discovered Yumidong Paleolithic cave site is located in Wushan County, Chongqing. The site is famous for its limestone lithics. Due to inferior raw materials, a complicated taphonomic history and the lack of further research, the man-made nature of limestone lithics from the site is disputed. In this paper, the author designed a trampling experiment and a rolling experiment to simulate the features seen on the limestone lithics and to observe the acquired damage related to the history of stratigraphic deposition in the Yumidong site. Furthermore, the author also compared excavated specimens with the experimental lithics to provide a reference collection for better affirming the artificial property of limestone lithics. Trampling experiments produce scars closely associated with the texture and shape of the ground surface, relating directly to the compactness and stability of the sediment. These features are less influenced by the raw materials, trampling force, softness or hardness of hooves and other such factors. Rolling experiments showed that the type and velocity of movement was crucially related to the specimen scars that formed. The experimental results demonstrated more microscars caused by friction, and fewer small to mid-length scars caused by collision. There are also a number of differences in the scars distribution, shape, size, and depth between the experimental specimens and the excavated lithics. Pseudo-tools may be formed by mixed acting forces but not ‘by a single type of force. The identification of tools becomes uncertain under the condition of mixed forces. In such cases, the comparative experimental collection is useful. In conclusion, we should treat limestone lithics prudently, neither simply denying them as genuine artefacts nor easily affirming them by subjective conjecture.

Key words: Yumidong Site; Limestone lithics; Taphonomic experiment; Three Gorges region