They left traces. Preliminary analyses of micro-wear traces on bone and antler tools from Sutz-Lattrigen Aussen, Lake Bienne, Switzerland

The site of Sutz-Lattrigen Aussen has yielded a high quality series of tools made from bone, antler and teeth. Thus this remarkable assemblage led us to consider the importance of carrying out functional studies. The recorded 601 worked pieces have been analysed typologically and technologically in a separate report. In this paper we explore the potential for use-wear analysis on the artefacts. They are well conserved and therefore seem to be perfectly suited for such examinations. Preliminary results show that they were used in a variety of activities including processing wood, bark, hide and pottery. This short investigation demonstrates how significant the use of the micro-wear analysis might be, together with technological and experimental studies to elucidate the principal economic and technological activities of Neolithic populations.