The Lichtenberg Keilmesser - it's all about the angle.

Area of Science:

• Paleolithic Archaeology
• Lithic Technology
• European Prehistory

Background:

• The Keilmesser-concept defines late Middle Paleolithic 'Keilmessergruppen' assemblages in Central and Eastern Europe.
• The Lichtenberg site (Germany) yielded a significant Keilmessergruppen assemblage, featuring the 'Lichtenberger Keilmesser' type.
• Previous interpretations debated whether Lichtenberg Keilmesser morphology was driven by aesthetic form-function concepts or functional edge maintenance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate contrasting hypotheses regarding the morphological variability of Keilmesser, specifically the Lichtenberg type.
• To investigate the relationship between the Lichtenberg Keilmesser and central German late Middle Paleolithic knives.
• To determine if morphology reflects aesthetic choices or functional requirements during tool manufacture and resharpening.

Main Methods:

• Re-analysis of Keilmesser assemblages from Lichtenberg and central Germany.
• Application of 3D geometric morphometric analyses to study tool morphology.
• Utilized an automated approach to measure edge angles on 3D models of the lithic artifacts.

Main Results:

• Despite morphological overlap between tool assemblages from Lichtenberg and central Germany, the Lichtenberg Keilmesser concept represents a specific functional solution.
• The observed morphology, including standardized convex cutting edges, is linked to creating and maintaining specific edge angles for tool functionality (cutting, prehension, reusability).
• Knapper behavior in establishing and maintaining functional edge angles resulted in the characteristic shapes and positions of active tool parts, creating a seemingly standardized morphology.

Conclusions:

• The morphology of the Lichtenberg Keilmesser is primarily a result of functional requirements and manufacturing strategies for edge maintenance, rather than purely aesthetic considerations.
• The study supports the hypothesis that edge angle maintenance during resharpening significantly influenced the standardized appearance of this Middle Paleolithic tool type.
• This research provides a functional interpretation for the 'Keilmesser-concept' and its variations within late Middle Paleolithic European assemblages.