Introduction to micro-residues analysis: Systematic use of Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy Dispersive X-rays Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) on Patagonian raw materials

LYNCH VIRGINIA; MIOTTI LAURA

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports

ELSEVIER

Lugar: Holanda; Año: 2017 p. 299 - 308

Residue analysis is commonly applied to stone tools functional identification and is often used in conjunctionwith micro-wear analysis for understanding their past function and also early human behaviour. In spite of theirimportant contribution in archaeological contexts, these studies present drawbacks in their application, sincethey require an exceptional state of conservation, as well as a correct identification by the observer. In thissense, actualistic studies are needed for a better residues characterization. Therefore, the following work exploresthe usefulness of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as a tool to provide a better morphological and compositionalidentification of micro-residues on Patagonian raw materials. The residue analysis is a methodology rarelyused on the studies of lithic technologies in Argentina so this paper constitutes a first approach to the main micro-structural features; distribution and elemental composition of micro-residues on stone tools using EDX spectra.The main results obtained from analytical experiments using SEM-EDX analysis improves the worked materialidentification and explore the possibility to apply this methodology at the Deseado massif´s archaeologicalrecord.