What about shells? Analysis of shell and lithic cut-marks.

BUC, N.; SACUR SILVESTRE, R.; LOPONTE, D

Munibe

Munibe

Lugar: San Sebastian; Año: 2010 p. 252 - 261

1132-2217

One feature that defines the archaeological deposits located in the Low Paraná wetland (Pampean Region, Argentina) during the Late Holocene is the abundance of malacological remains. Moreover, in the technological matter, assemblages are characterized by a low number of lithic tools and a great abundance of bone tools. In previous papers we stated that the technology in this region is defined by a strategy of complementation of both materials. The aim of this work is to include malacological remains as an alternative source of raw material, mainly in the use of cutting edges. For that purpose, we developed an experimental program in order to evaluate the technological possibilities of shells as tools used in bone processing. Particularly, we analyze the cut-marks made by shell and lithic edges. Our results show that it is possible to differentiate cut-marks made by both materials. However, to distinguish shell cut-marks in the archaeological record poses some problems, basically regarding bone tools and multiple taphonomical factors.