Project title: Further explorations of the use of various tool types in hide processing techniques

Researchers: Annelou van Gijn, associate professor, Leiden University, the Netherlands

E-mail a.l.van.gijn(at)arch.leidenuniv.nl

and Yvonne Lammers, Ph.D. student, Leiden University

E-mail: y.m.j.lammers(at)arch.leidenuniv.nl

Year: 2002 & 2003

Abstract:

The precise function of many prehistoric tools is difficult to ascertain but with the help of investigations of wear traces and with experiments involving the use of reconstructed tools it is possible to get closer to an understanding. The experiment has as its starting point working processes involved in the treatment of hides. The tools which will be reconstructed are from Stone Age settlements in the Netherlands and from Pre-colonial settlements on Guadeloupe. The tools from the Netherlands are made of bone, antler and flint, whereas those from Guadeloupe are made of shells, coral and potsherds. Through working with the hides the tools will be tested and subsequently compared with the original finds.

Reference number: 03/02 and 14/03