Snakes and Ladders: A technological approach to tool maintenance byproducts using module flake categories.

Area of Science:

• Archaeology
• Lithic Technology
• Palaeolithic Studies

Background:

• Traditional lithic technology studies focus on finished tools, neglecting byproducts like microdebitage.
• This oversight limits understanding of tool maintenance, prehistoric behaviors, and technological strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce a novel classification system for lithic byproducts from retouching, reshaping, and rejuvenation.
• Integrate the chaîne opératoire approach for analyzing flakes without size limitations.
• Apply this system to Middle Palaeolithic assemblages in Armenia to reconstruct tool use-life and maintenance strategies.

Main Methods:

• Developed a five-module (M0-M4) classification system for lithic byproducts.
• Applied the system to lithic assemblages from Kalavan 2 and Ararat-1 Cave (Middle Palaeolithic, Armenia).
• Utilized the chaîne opératoire methodology for flake analysis.

Main Results:

• Microdebitage analysis provides a holistic view of decision-making in tool maintenance and raw material provisioning.
• The module system reveals patterns in tool curation, 'ghost tools', and raw material economics.
• Demonstrated the utility of byproduct analysis for understanding Pleistocene hunter-gatherer adaptive strategies.

Conclusions:

• Shifting focus to lithic byproducts enhances interpretation of archaeological assemblages.
• The new classification system offers crucial insights into previously obscured aspects of prehistoric technology and behavior.
• Microdebitage analysis is vital for a comprehensive understanding of lithic technology and hunter-gatherer societies.