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Falcucci A, Peresani M. The contribution of integrated 3D model analysis to Protoaurignacian stone tool design. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268539. [PMID: 35584150 PMCID: PMC9116640 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Protoaurignacian foragers relied heavily on the production and use of bladelets. Techno-typological studies of these implements have provided insights into crucial aspects of cultural variability. However, new technologies have seldom been used to quantify patterns of stone tool design. Taking advantage of a new scanning protocol and open-source software, we conduct the first 3D analysis of a Protoaurignacian assemblage, focusing on the selection and modification of blades and bladelets. We study a large dataset of complete blanks and retouched tools from the early Protoaurignacian assemblage at Fumane Cave in northeastern Italy. Our main goal is to validate and refine previous techno-typological considerations employing a 3D geometric morphometrics approach complemented by 2D analysis of cross-section outlines and computation of retouch angle. The encouraging results show the merits of the proposed integrated approach and confirm that bladelets were the main focus of stone knapping at the site. Among modified bladelets, various retouching techniques were applied to achieve specific shape objectives. We suggest that the variability observed among retouched bladelets relates to the design of multi-part artifacts that need to be further explored via renewed experimental and functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Falcucci
- Department of Geosciences, Prehistory and Archaeological Sciences Research Unit, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Marco Peresani
- Department of Humanities, Prehistoric and Anthropological Sciences Unit, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering, National Research Council, Milano, Italy
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Göldner D, Karakostis FA, Falcucci A. Practical and technical aspects for the 3D scanning of lithic artefacts using micro-computed tomography techniques and laser light scanners for subsequent geometric morphometric analysis. Introducing the StyroStone protocol. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267163. [PMID: 35446900 PMCID: PMC9022823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we present a new method to scan a large number of lithic artefacts using three-dimensional scanning technology. Despite the rising use of high-resolution 3D surface scanners in archaeological sciences, no virtual studies have focused on the 3D digitization and analysis of small lithic implements such as bladelets, microblades, and microflakes. This is mostly due to difficulties in creating reliable 3D meshes of these artefacts resulting from several inherent features (i.e., size, translucency, and acute edge angles), which compromise the efficiency of structured light or laser scanners and photogrammetry. Our new protocol StyroStone addresses this problem by proposing a step-by-step procedure relying on the use of micro-computed tomographic technology, which is able to capture the 3D shape of small lithic implements in high detail. We tested a system that enables us to scan hundreds of artefacts together at once within a single scanning session lasting a few hours. As also bigger lithic artefacts (i.e., blades) are present in our sample, this protocol is complemented by a short guide on how to effectively scan such artefacts using a structured light scanner (Artec Space Spider). Furthermore, we estimate the accuracy of our scanning protocol using principal component analysis of 3D Procrustes shape coordinates on a sample of meshes of bladelets obtained with both micro-computed tomography and another scanning device (i.e., Artec Micro). A comprehensive review on the use of 3D geometric morphometrics in lithic analysis and other computer-based approaches is provided in the introductory chapter to show the advantages of improving 3D scanning protocols and increasing the digitization of our prehistoric human heritage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Göldner
- Department of Palaeoanthropology, Institute of Archaeological Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Fotios Alexandros Karakostis
- Department of Palaeoanthropology, Institute of Archaeological Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) Center for Advanced Studies “Words, Bones, Genes, Tools,” Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Armando Falcucci
- Department of Early Prehistory and Quaternary Ecology, Schloss Hohentübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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de Lombera-Hermida A, Rodríguez-Álvarez XP, Mosquera M, Ollé A, García-Medrano P, Pedergnana A, Terradillos-Bernal M, López-Ortega E, Bargalló A, Rodríguez-Hidalgo A, Saladié P, Bermúdez de Castro JM, Carbonell E. The dawn of the Middle Paleolithic in Atapuerca: the lithic assemblage of TD10.1 from Gran Dolina. J Hum Evol 2020; 145:102812. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Herzlinger G, Grosman L. AGMT3-D: A software for 3-D landmarks-based geometric morphometric shape analysis of archaeological artifacts. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207890. [PMID: 30458049 PMCID: PMC6245792 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We present here a newly developed software package named Artifact GeoMorph Toolbox 3-D (AGMT3-D). It is intended to provide archaeologists with a simple and easy-to-use tool for performing 3-D landmarks-based geometric morphometric shape analysis on 3-D digital models of archaeological artifacts. It requires no prior knowledge of programming or proficiency in statistics. AGMT3-D consists of a data-acquisition procedure for automatically positioning 3-D models in space and fitting them with grids of 3-D semi-landmarks. It also provides a number of analytical tools and procedures that allow the processing and statistical analysis of the data, including generalized Procrustes analysis, principal component analysis, a warp tool, automatic calculation of shape variabilities and statistical tests. It provides an output of quantitative, objective and reproducible results in numerical, textual and graphic formats. These can be used to answer archaeologically significant questions relating to morphologies and morphological variabilities in artifact assemblages. Following the presentation of the software and its functions, we apply it to a case study addressing the effects of different types of raw material on the morphologies and morphological variabilities present in an experimentally produced Acheulian handaxe assemblage. The results show that there are statistically significant differences between the mean shapes and shape variabilities of handaxes produced on flint and those produced on basalt. With AGMT3-D, users can analyze artifact assemblages and address questions that are deducible from the morphologies and morphological variabilities of material culture assemblages. These questions can relate to issues of, among others, relative chronology, cultural affinities, tool function and production technology. AGMT3-D is aimed at making 3-D landmarks-based geometric morphometric shape analysis more accessible to archaeologists, in the hope that this method will become a tool commonly used by archaeologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gadi Herzlinger
- Institute of Archaeology, Mount Scopus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School for Advanced Studies in the Humanities, Mount Scopus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Leore Grosman
- Institute of Archaeology, Mount Scopus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Leplongeon A. Current approaches and new directions in lithic analysis: Defining, identifying and interpreting variability. Evol Anthropol 2017; 26:145-148. [PMID: 28815965 DOI: 10.1002/evan.21530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Leplongeon
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoctoral fellow McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, Cambridge, (UK).,Département de Préhistoire, UMR CNRS 7194, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
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Carmignani L, Moncel MH, Fernandes P, Wilson L. Technological variability during the Early Middle Palaeolithic in Western Europe. Reduction systems and predetermined products at the Bau de l'Aubesier and Payre (South-East France). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178550. [PMID: 28591159 PMCID: PMC5462386 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of the lithic assemblages of two French sites, the Bau de l’Aubesier and Payre, contributes new knowledge of the earliest Neanderthal techno-cultural variability. In this paper we present the results of a detailed technological analysis of Early Middle Palaeolithic lithic assemblages of MIS 8 and 7 age from the two sites, which are located on opposite sides of the Rhône Valley in the south-east of France. The MIS 9–7 period is considered in Europe to be a time of new behaviours, especially concerning lithic strategies. The shift from the Lower Palaeolithic to the Early Middle Palaeolithic is “classically” defined by an increase in the number of core technologies, including standardized ones, which are stabilized in the full Middle Palaeolithic (MIS 5–3), associated with the decline of the “Acheulean” biface. Applying a common technological approach to the analysis of the two assemblages highlights their technological variability with respect to reduction systems and end products. Differences between Payre and the Bau de l’Aubesier concerning raw material procurement and faunal exploitation only partially explain this multifaceted technological variability, which in our opinion also reflects the existence of distinct technological strategies within the same restricted geographic area, which are related to distinct traditions, site uses, and/or as yet unknown parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Carmignani
- IDQP Phd candidate, IPHES, Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social, Tarragona, Spain
- Àrea de Prehistòria, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Tarragona, Spain
- Dipartimento di Studi Umanistici, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- External Member of UMR 7041 ArScAn, Anthropologie des Techniques, des Espaces et des Territoires au Pliocène et Pléistocène (AnTET), Maison de l’Archéologie et de l’Ethnologie, Nanterre, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Marie-Hélène Moncel
- UMR7194 – HNHP Department of Prehistory (CNRS – MNHN – UPVD – Sorbonne Universités), Paris, France
| | | | - Lucy Wilson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Brunswick in Saint John, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
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Iovita R, Tuvi-Arad I, Moncel MH, Despriée J, Voinchet P, Bahain JJ. High handaxe symmetry at the beginning of the European Acheulian: The data from la Noira (France) in context. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177063. [PMID: 28520745 PMCID: PMC5435177 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, new discoveries have pushed the beginning of the biface-rich European Acheulian from 500 thousand years (ka) ago back to at least 700 ka, and possibly to 1 million years (Ma) ago. It remains, however, unclear to date if handaxes arrived in Europe as a fully developed technology or if they evolved locally from core-and-flake industries. This issue is also linked with another long-standing debate on the existence and behavioral, cognitive, and social meaning of a possibly chronological trend for increased handaxe symmetry throughout the Lower Paleolithic. The newly discovered sites can provide a link between the much older Acheulian in Africa and the Levant and the well-known assemblages from the later European Acheulian, enabling a rigorous testing of these hypotheses using modern morphometric methods. Here we use the Continuous Symmetry Measure (CSM) method to quantify handaxe symmetry at la Noira, a newly excavated site in central France, which features two archaeological levels, respectively ca. 700 ka and 500 ka old. In order to provide a context for the new data, we use a large aggregate from the well-known 500 ka old site of Boxgrove, England. We show that handaxes from the oldest layer at la Noira, although on average less symmetric than both those from the younger layers at the same site and than those from Boxgrove, are nevertheless much more symmetric than other early Acheulian specimens evaluated using the CSM method. We also correlate trends in symmetry to degree of reduction, demonstrating that raw material availability and discard patterns may affect observed symmetry values. We conclude that it is likely that, by the time the Acheulian arrived in Europe, its makers were, from a cognitive and motor-control point of view, already capable of producing the symmetric variant of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radu Iovita
- MONREPOS Archaeological Research Centre and Museum for Human Behavioural Evolution, Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Archäologie, Neuwied, Germany
- Center for the Study of Human Origins, Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Inbal Tuvi-Arad
- Department of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Israel, Raanana, Israel
| | - Marie-Hélène Moncel
- Département de Préhistoire-UMR 7194 CNRS, Institut de Paléontologie Humaine, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Jackie Despriée
- Département de Préhistoire-UMR 7194 CNRS, Institut de Paléontologie Humaine, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Voinchet
- Département de Préhistoire-UMR 7194 CNRS, Institut de Paléontologie Humaine, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Bahain
- Département de Préhistoire-UMR 7194 CNRS, Institut de Paléontologie Humaine, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
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