A NOVEL APPROACH TO STUDIES OF PREHISTORIC EXPLOITATION OF STONE TOOL MATERIALS USING MATERIAL COMPOSITION,SURFACE MORPHOLOGY,MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES* |
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Authors: | KAORU YONEKURA HIROYUKI HASEGAWA ATSUSHI HOTTA TETSUYA SUZUKI |
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Affiliation: | 1. School of Fundamental Science and Technology, Keio University 3‐14‐1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku‐ku, Yokohama 223‐8522, Japan;2. Present address: Department of Philosophy, History and Cultural Studies, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1‐1, Minami Osawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192‐0397, Japan and Department of Archaeology, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B. C. V5A IS6, Canada.;3. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Okayama University 3‐1‐1 Tsushima‐Naka, Okayama 700‐8530, Japan;4. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Keio University 3‐14‐1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku‐ku, Yokohama 223‐8522, Japan |
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Abstract: | For a comprehensive understanding of material exploitation in prehistory, we applied advanced analytical methods to Japanese prehistoric stone tool materials. Compositions, surface morphologies, microstructures and mechanical properties of the primary lithic materials were analysed. As a result of the tests on actual Palaeolithic artefacts, preferential material selection was observed based on composition, structure and other physical properties of the materials. Homogeneous materials composed of a single type of mineral—α‐quartz—were intentionally selected for Palaeolithic tools regardless of the type of rock. These materials unexceptionally present higher hardness and strength. Moreover, materials composed of extremely fine crystal grains of ~0.1 µm in size with highest hardness and strength were selectively used for sharp‐edged blades. These results lead us to the conclusion that quantitative and objective analyses will give us precise information on prehistoric materials, which will enable us to make an analytical approach to the comprehension of prehistoric exploitation of stone materials. This could eventually complement the traditional interpretation of material exploitation based on conventional petrological classifications. |
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Keywords: | PALAEOLITHIC RAW MATERIAL MATERIAL SELECTION COGNITION MINERAL COMPOSITION X‐RAY DIFFRACTION MICROSTRUCTURE SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY MECHANICAL PROPERTIES FLEXURAL STRENGTH TEST VICKERS HARDNESS TEST |
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