کد مقاله | کد نشریه | سال انتشار | مقاله انگلیسی | نسخه تمام متن |
---|---|---|---|---|
1037040 | 943906 | 2009 | 11 صفحه PDF | دانلود رایگان |
Multivariate statistical methods are used to study recent Prehistory lithics from the Armorican Massif, allowing us to classify them in more or less distinct groups according to the structural and mineralogical qualities of rock types involved. Analyses are carried out on metamorphic, sedimentary and magmatic rocks making up lithics collected from 31 localities. The petrographic properties are determined by polarizing microscope (POM), while the mechanical properties are obtained by Vickers's indentation method (VI), compression/traction (CT) and ultrasound echography (UE). The results provide us with important information about the management of lithic raw materials used by various human and cultural groups during the Mesolithic and Neolithic of the Armorican Massif. The more commonly used materials show a homogeneous and stable distribution of regional technology styles. The rock types exhibiting mature and homogeneous structures possess the better qualities for knapping (fracture energy GIc) and use (edge toughness M1), and are more involved in exchange. The application of Upward Hierarchical Classification (UHC) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) allows us to identify the classes of materials as well as the causes of variations of rock type abundance within the lithic assemblages of the Mesolithic and the Neolithic. In this way, we can then also predict the discovery of archaeological artefacts in areas lacking any known indications of the exploitation of outcropping materials.
Journal: Journal of Archaeological Science - Volume 36, Issue 7, July 2009, Pages 1615–1625