The use of lithic artefacts for making rock art engravings: observation and analysis of use-wear traces in experimental tools through optical microscopy and SEM

ALVAREZ, M., FIORE, D., FAVRET, E. AND CASTILLO GUERRA, R.

JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE

Elsevier

Lugar: Orlando, USA; Año: 2001 vol. 28 p. 457 - 464

0305-4403

This paper presents a first approach to the study of the artefacts involved in the production of rock art engravings through optical microscopy and scanning electron microscope. The results obtained from microwear analysis of experimental tools has allowed a first characterisation of diagnostic wear traces from the engraving of a rock surface, as well as to observe their development during the process of the work. Although these traces show the general features of wear related to work in mineral substances, they show some specific characteristics that are related to the used materials, the tools employed and the activities carried out.