This paper explores the functionality of Ground Stone tool on Limestone and the formation of use-wear traces. Driven by the tool-type variability observed in the Middle Paleolithic of the Levant, we combine experimental and use-wear analysis through a multi-scale and high-resolution approach. A new experimental setup for percussion and grinding replication is also presented and discussed. These data is a fundamental library for the interpretation of the archaeological record.
The main goal of this study was to test the influence of different cleaning procedures applied on micro surface texture of stone tools. With this paper, we also aimed to stress-out the need of adopting cleaning methods that do not affect the microscopi analysis of artifacts surface.
Our study aimed at reporting and evaluating the variability of the so-called grounds stone tools recovered from the Middle Paleolithic occupations at the site of Nesher Ramla. focusing and combining a technological and functional approach, our analysis and results combine different types of observations and characterization of the various use-wear damages on these tools' surface. While the results report a significant level of diversification in resource exploitation, we still need to develop more experiments to fully identify and understand some of the micro wear traces, and, therefore, reconstruct all activities and worked materials at the site. This study is quite interesting as it reveals the ecological and technological dynamics of these MP populations."