An experimental approach to distinguishing different stone artefact transport patterns from debitage assemblages

• A set of indices experimentally distinguish between different transport patterns.
• Indices: cortex and volume ratio.
• Indices: flake to core, non-cortical to cortical flake ratios and diminution tests.
• Three experimental transport simulations track indices in debitage assemblages.
• Quantitative criteria distinguish between different artefact transport patterns.

This paper experimentally demonstrates the ability of a set of indices to distinguish between different stone artefact transport patterns represented in debitage assemblages. Stone artefacts were transported extensively in the past and this is an important component of technological organisation. However, most stone artefacts occur as part of debitage assemblages. From these assemblages, where mostly non-transported artefacts remain, it can be challenging to identify what artefacts, if any, were transported in anticipation of future use. A series of indices; the cortex ratio, volume ratio, flake to core ratio, non-cortical to cortical flake ratio and flake/core diminution tests are presented to meet this challenge. These are tested on an experimental assemblage where three different transport scenarios are simulated. Results suggest that the indices are sensitive to artefact transport and are capable of empirically distinguishing between the three transport scenarios, even when raw material form varies. The results also indicate that artefact transport is capable of exerting a significant influence on stone artefact assemblage formation.