Polished lint ‘scrapers’ from Nida Neolithic settlement – were they tools? Clues from experimental studies and a use-wear analysis
Polished lint ‘scrapers’ from Nida Neolithic settlement – were they tools? Clues from experimental studies and a use-wear analysis

Summary/Abstract: The Nida site is an extensively investigated Neolithic settlement with extraordinary rich, Rzucewo culture material (3200–2400 cal BC). A special type of flint tool with polished edges is well known there and is characteristic to exclusively the Rzucewo culture. It has been called a polished ‘scraper’ by previous researchers with a strong affiliation for utilitarian functions. However, no arguments for their use as a hide or other scraper have yet been presented. "e goal of this paper is to present the results of the +rst attempt to understand the function of these polished ‘scrapers’ through the combination of a use-wear analysis and an experimental study. Although the interpretation of the initial results was greatly hindered by post-depositional alterations during aeolian processes, the present authors assert that these polished ‘scrapers’ were probably not used for household activities in the traditional sense. "is is supported by their low effectiveness in such activities, which was observed through the use of experimental tools and the results of a use-wear analysis of the experimental and prehistoric implements.

• Details
• Contents