A review of quantification of lithic use-wear using laser profilometry: A method based on metrology and fractal analysis

Journal of Archaeological Science

Volumn 48, Issue 1, 2014, Pages 15-25

  Stemp, W James ^a  

^a KEENE STATE COLLEGE   (United States)

Author keywords

Laser profilometry; Relative length (RL); Use wear

Indexed keywords

ARCHAEOLOGY; FRACTAL ANALYSIS; LASER METHOD; LITHIC FRAGMENT; MEASUREMENT METHOD; QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS; WEAR;

EID: 84901216628     PISSN: 03054403     EISSN: 10959238     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2013.04.027     Document Type: Article

References (99)

1. Abdullah A.B., Sapuan S.M., Samad Z., Khaleed H.M.T., Aziz N.A. Geometrical error analysis of cold forged AUV propeller blade using optical measurement method. Adv. Mater. Res. 2012, 383-390:7117-7121.
2. Álvarez M., Fuentes N.O., Favret E.A., Vanina Dolce M., Forlano A. Quantifying use-wear traces through RIMAPS and variogram analyses. Archaeol. Anthropol. Sci. 2012, 4:91-101.
3. Anderson P.C. Atestimony of prehistoric tasks: diagnostic residues on stone tool working edges. World Archaeol. 1980, 12:181-194.
4. Anderson P., Astruc L., Vargiolu R., Zahouani H. Contribution of quantitative analysis of surface states to a multi-method approach for characterizing plant-processing traces on flint tools with gloss. Proceedings of the XIII International Congress of the International Union of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Sciences 1998, vol. 6 (Tome II):1151-1160. ABACO, Forli. A. Antoniazzi, J.L. Arsuaga Ferreres, J.M. Bermudez de Castro, E. Carbonell I Roura, E. Cavallini, F. Fontana, C. Gutiérrez Sàez, S. di Lernia, L. Longo, G. Manzi, S. Milliken, L. Oosterbeek, V. Pavukova, M. Peresani, C. Peretto, V. Pesce Delfino, K. Pizchelauri, L. Prati, R. Sala I Ramos (Eds.).
5. Anderson P.C., Georges J.-M., Vargiolu R., Zahouani H. Insights from a tribological analysis of the tribulum. J.Archaeol. Sci. 2006, 33:1559-1568.
6. Andruskiewicz M.D., Rashid Y.H., Stemp W.J. AComparison of Unused Surfaces on a Single Flint Flake Using LSCM and Relative Area (RelA) 2012, Report on file with the Surface Metrology and Archaeological Research Technologies Project, Keene State College, Keene, NH.
7. Andruskiewicz M.D., Rashid Y.H., Stemp W.J. AComparison of Unused Surfaces on a Single Obsidian Blade Using LSCM and Relative Area (RelA) 2012, Report on file with the Surface Metrology and Archaeological Research Technologies Project, Keene State College, Keene, NH.
8. Aoyama K. Elite artists and craft producers in Classic Maya society: lithic evidence from Aguateca, Guatemala. Latin Am. Antiq. 2007, 18:3-26.
9. ASME B46.1 Surface Texture (Surface Roughness, Waviness, and Lay): an American National Standard 2002, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, New York.
10. Bamforth D. Investigating microwear polishes with blind tests: the institute results in context. J.Archaeol. Sci. 1988, 15:11-23.
11. Bamforth D.M., Burns G.R., Woodman C. Ambiguous use-traces and blind test results: new data. J.Archaeol. Sci. 1990, 17:413-430.
12. Banks W.E., Kay M. High-resolution casts for lithic use-wear analysis. Lithic Technol. 2003, 28:27-34.
13. Barceló J.A., Pijoan J., Vincente O. Image quantification as archaeological description. British Archaeological Reports, International Series S931 2001, 69-78. Oxford. Z. Stančič, T. Veljanovski (Eds.).
14. Beyries S. Étude de traces d'utilization sur des empreintes en latex. Bull. Soc. Préhist. Fr. 1981, 78:198-199.
15. Beyries S., Delamare F., Quantin J.-C. Tracéologie et rugosimétrie tridimensionelle. British Archaeological Reports, International Series 411 1988, vol. 2:115-132. Oxford. S. Beyries (Ed.).
16. Bienenfeld P. Duplicating archaeological microwear polishes with epoxy casts. Lithic Technol. 1995, 20:29-39.
17. Bietti A. Image processing in microwear studies of flint artifacts. Archeol. Calcolatori 1996, 7:387-396.
18. Brown C.A., Johnsen W.A., Butland R.M. Scale-sensitive fractal analysis of turned surfaces. Annu. CIRP 1996, 45:515-518.
19. Brown C.A., Savary G. Describing ground surface texture using contact profilometry and fractal analysis. Wear 1991, 141:211-226.
20. Brown C.T. The fractal dimension of lithic reduction. J.Archaeol. Sci. 2001, 28:619-631.
21. Brown C.T., Witschey W.R.T. The fractal geometry of ancient Maya settlement. J.Archaeol. Sci. 2003, 30:1619-1632.
22. Brown C.T., Witschey W.R.T., Liebovitch L.S. The broken past: fractals in archaeology. J.Archaeol. Method Theory 2005, 12:37-78.
23. Burke M.D., Park J.O., Srinivasarao M., Khan S.A. Diffusion of macromolecules in polymer solutions and gels: a laser scanning confocal microscopy study. Macromolecules 2000, 33:7500-7507.
24. Burroni D., Donahue R.E., Pollard A.M., Mussi M. The surface alteration features of flint artefacts as a record of environmental processes. J.Archaeol. Sci. 2002, 29:1277-1287.
25. Chauvy P.F., Madore C., Landolt D. Variable length scale analysis of surface topography: characterization of titanium surfaces for biomedical applications. Surf. Coat. Technol. 1998, 110:48-56.
26. Christensen M. Processus de formation et caractérisation physico-chimique des polis d'utilisation des outils en silex. Applications à la technologie préhistorique de l'ivoire. Bull. Soc. Préhist. Fr. 1998, 95:336-375.
27. Creasey S., Lewis D.B., Smith I.J., Münz W.-D. SEM image analysis of droplet formation during metal ion etching by a steered arc discharge. Surf. Coat. Technol. 1997, 97:163-175.
28. r2 for the Description of the Material Portion in Roughness Profile; Measuring Conditions and Evaluation Procedures 1990, Deutches Institut für Normung, Berlin.
29. Dumont J.V. The quantification of microwear traces: a new use for interferometry. World Archaeol. 1982, 14:206-217.
30. Evans A.A. On the importance of blind testing and a move towards quantification in lithic functional studies. J. Archaeol. Sci 2014, 48:5-14.
31. Evans A.A., Donahue R.E. Laser scanning confocal microscopy: a potential technique for the study of lithic microwear. J.Archaeol. Sci. 2008, 35:2223-2230.
32. Evans A.A., Donahue R.E. The elemental chemistry of lithic microwear: an experiment. J.Archaeol. Sci. 2005, 32:1733-1740.
33. Evans A.A., Macdonald D. Using metrology in early prehistoric stone tool research: further work and a brief instrument comparison. Scanning 2011, 33:294-303.
34. Faulks N.R., Kimball L.R., Hidjrati N., Coffey T.S. Atomic force microscopy of microwear traces on Mousterian tools from Myshtylagty Lagat (Weasel Cave), Russia. Scanning 2011, 33:304-315.
35. Fullagar R.L.K. The role of silica in polish formation. J.Archaeol. Sci. 1991, 18:1-24.
36. Gonzalez-Urquijo J.E., Ibañez-Estevez J.J. The quantification of use-wear polish using image analysis. First results. J.Archaeol. Sci. 2003, 30:481-489.
37. Grace, R., 1989. Interpreting the function of stone tools: the quantification and computerization of microwear analysis. British Archaeological Research, International Series 474, Oxford.
38. Grace R. The limitations and applications of use wear analysis. The Interpretive Possibilities of Microwear Analysis 1990, 9-14. Societas Archaeologica Upsaliensis, Uppsala, Uppsala. B. Graslund, H. Knutsson, K. Knutsson, J. Taffinder (Eds.).
39. Grace R., Graham I.D.G., Newcomer M.H. The quantification of microwear polishes. World Archaeol. 1985, 17:112-120.
40. Hastings H.M., Sugihara G. Fractals: a User's Guide for the Natural Sciences 1993, Oxford University Press, New York.
41. Hurcombe L. Some criticisms and suggestions in response to Newcomer etal. (1986). J.Archaeol. Sci. 1988, 15:1-10.
42. Hurcombe l Use-wear analysis and obsidian: theory, experiments and results. Archaeology Monograph 4 1992, Department of Archaeology and Prehistory, University of Sheffield, Sheffield.
43. ISO 4287 Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) - Surface Texture: Profile Method - Terms, Definitions, and Surface Texture Parameters 1997, International Organization for Standardization, Geneva.
44. Kajiwara H., Akoshima K. An experimental study of microwear polish on shale artifacts. Kokogaku Zasshi 1981, 67:1-36. (in Japanese with an English summary).
45. Keeley L.H. Experimental Determination of Stone Tool Uses: a Microwear Analysis 1980, University of Chicago Press, Chicago.
46. Kennedy S.K., Lin W. Afractal technique for the classification of projectile point shapes. Geoarchaeology 1988, 3:297-301.
47. Kimball L., Allen P., Kimball J., Schlichting B., Pham K. The analysis of microwear polishes with the atomic force microscope. Proceedings of the XIII International Congress of the International Union of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Sciences 1998, vol. 6 (Tome II):1121-1132. ABACO, Forli. A. Antoniazzi, J.L. Arsuaga Ferreres, J.M. Bermudez de Castro, E. Carbonell I Roura, E. Cavallini, F. Fontana, C. Gutiérrez Sàez, S. di Lernia, L. Longo, G. Manzi, S. Milliken, L. Oosterbeek, V. Pavukova, M. Peresani, C. Peretto, V. Pesce Delfinoi, K. Pizchelauri, L. Prati, R. Sala I Ramos (Eds.).
48. Kimball L.R., Kimball J.F., Allen P.E. Microwear polishes as viewed through the atomic force microscope. Lithic Technol. 1995, 20:6-28.
49. Knutsson K. Patterns of Tool Use: Scanning Electron Microscopy of Experimental Quartz Tools 1988, Societas Archaeologica Upsaliensis, Uppsala.
50. Knutsson K., Hope R. The application of acetate peels in lithic use wear analysis. Archaeometry 1984, 26:49-61.
51. Lauwerier H. Fractals: Endlessly Repeated Geometrical Figures 1991, Princeton University Press, Princeton.
52. Lemorini C., Stiner M.C., Gopher A., Shimelmitz R., Barkai R. Use-wear analysis of an Amudian laminar assemblage from the Acheuleo-Yabrudian of Qesem Cave, Israel. J.Archaeol. Sci. 2006, 33:921-934.
53. Lerner H. Digital image analysis and use-wear accrual as a function of raw material: an example from northwestern New Mexico. Lithic Technol. 2007, 32:51-67.
54. Lerner H., Du X., Costopoulos A., Ostoja-Starzewski M. Lithic raw material physical properties and use-wear accrual. J.Archaeol. Sci. 2007, 34:711-722.
55. Lévi-Sala I. Use-wear and post-depositional surface modification: a word of caution. J.Archaeol. Sci. 1986, 13:229-244.
56. Lévi-Sala I. Use-wear traces: processes of development and post-depositional alterations. Traces et fonction: Les gestes retrouvés 1993, vol. 2:401-416. ERAUL 50, Liège.
57. Lévi-Sala, I., 1996. A study of microscopic Polish on flint implements. British Archaeological Reports, International Series S629, Oxford.
58. Lipson C., Seth N.J. Statistical Design and Analysis of Engineering Experiments 1973, McGraw-Hill, New York.
59. Magonov S.N. Surface characterization of materials at ambient conditions by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Appl. Spectrosc. Rev. 1993, 28:1-121.
60. Mandelbrot B.B. Fractals, Forms, Chance and Dimension 1977, W.H. Freeman, San Francisco.
61. Mandelbrot B.B. The Fractal Geometry of Nature 1982, W.H. Freeman, San Francisco.
62. Mansur-Franchomme M.E. Scanning electron microscopy of dry hide working tools: the role of abrasives and humidity in microwear polish formation. J.Archaeol. Sci. 1983, 10:223-230.
63. Maschner H.D.G., Bentley R.A. The power law of rank and household on the North Pacific. Complex Systems and Archaeology: Empirical and Theoretical Applications. Foundations of Archaeological Inquiry 2003, 47-60. University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City. R.A. Bentley, H.D.G. Maschner (Eds.).
64. Mecholsky J.J., Mackin T.J. Fractal analysis of fracture in Ocala chert. J.Mater. Sci. Lett. 1988, 7:1145-1147.
65. Moss, E.H., 1983. The functional analysis of flint implements - Pincevent and Pont d'Ambon: two case studies from the French final Palaeolithic. British Archaeological Reports, International Series 177, Oxford.
66. Moss E.H. Areview of "Investigating microwear polishes with blind tests". J.Archaeol. Sci. 1987, 14:473-481.
67. Newcomer M.H., Grace R., Unger-Hamilton R. Investigating microwear polishes with blind tests. J.Archaeol. Sci. 1986, 13:203-217.
68. Newcomer M.H., Grace R., Unger-Hamilton R. Microwear methodology: a reply to Moss, Hurcombe and Bamforth. J.Archaeol. Sci. 1988, 15:25-33.
69. Odell G.H. The mechanics of use-breakage of stone tools: some testable hypotheses. J.Field Archaeol. 1981, 8:197-209.
70. Odell G.H. The role of stone bladelets in Middle Woodland society. Am. Antiq. 1994, 59:102-120.
71. Odell G.H., Odell-Vereecken F. Verifying the reliability of lithic use-wear assessments by "blind tests": the low power approach. J.Field Archaeol. 1980, 7:87-120.
72. Oleschko K., Brambila R., Brambila F., Parrot J., Lopez P. Fractal analysis of Teotihuacan, Mexico. J.Archaeol. Sci. 2000, 27:1007-1016.
73. Ollé A., Vergès J.M. SEM functional analysis and the mechanism of microwear formation. British Archaeological Reports, International Series 1783 2008, 39-50. Oxford. L. Longo, N. Skakun (Eds.).
74. Perry K.E. Delamination and damage studies of composite materials using phase-shifting interferometry. Opt. Lasers Eng. 1996, 24:467-483.
75. Plisson H. An application of casting techniques for observing and recording microwear. Lithic Technol. 1983, 12:17-21.
76. Plisson, H., 1985. Étude fonctionnelle d'outillages lithiques préhistoriques par l'analyse des micro-usures: recherche méthodologique et archéologique. Thèse de Doctorat. l'Université de Paris I, Paris.
77. Rees D., Wilkinson G.G., Grace R., Orton C.R. An investigation of the fractal properties of flint microwear images. J.Archaeol. Sci. 1991, 18:629-640.
78. Rots V., Pirnay L., Pirson P., Baudoux O. Blind tests shed light on possibilities and limitations for identifying stone tool prehension and hafting. J.Archaeol. Sci. 2006, 33:935-952.
79. Russ J.C. Fractal Surfaces 1994, Plenum Press, New York.
80. Semenov S.A. Prehistoric Technology 1964, Barnes and Noble, New York.
81. Shea J.J. On accuracy and relevance in lithic use-wear analysis. Lithic Technol. 1987, 16:44-50.
82. Shea J.J. Lithic use-wear evidence for hunting by Neandertals and early modern humans from the Levantine Mousterian. Archeol. Paps. Am. Anthropol. Assoc. 1993, 4:189-197.
83. Stemp W.J., Childs B.E., Vionnet S. Laser profilometry and length-scale analysis of stone tools: second series experiment results. Scanning 2010, 32:233-243.
84. q). Lithic Technol. 2008, 33:173-189.
85. Stemp W.J., Childs B.E., Vionnet S., Brown C.A. Quantification and discrimination of lithic use-wear: surface profile measurements and length-scale fractal analysis. Archaeometry 2009, 51:366-382.
86. Stemp W.J., Chung S. Discrimination of surface wear on obsidian tools using LSCM and RelA: pilot study results. Scanning 2011, 33:279-293.
87. Stemp W.J., Helmke C.B.G., Awe J.J. Evidence for Maya household subsistence and domestic activities: use-wear analysis of the chipped chert assemblage from Pook's Hill, Belize. J.Field Archaeol. 2010, 35:217-234.
88. Stemp W.J., Lerner H.J., Kristant E.H. Quantifying microwear on experimental Mistassini quartzite scrapers: preliminary results of exploratory research using LSCM and scale-sensitive fractal analysis. Scanning 2013, 35:28-39.
89. Stemp, W.J., Rashid, Y.H., Andruskiewicz, M., Gleason, M.A., 2012. Surface wear and ancient Maya blood-letting: area-scale analysis of experimental obsidian blades. Poster Presented at the 2nd Surface Metrology Seminar for the Americas, October 15-17, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA.
90. Stemp W.J., Stemp M. UBM laser profilometry and lithic use-wear analysis: a variable length scale investigation of surface topography. J.Archaeol. Sci. 2001, 28:81-88.
91. Stemp W.J., Stemp M. Documenting stages of polish development on experimental stone tools: surface characterization by fractal geometry using UBM laser profilometry. J.Archaeol. Sci. 2003, 30:287-296.
92. Stevens N.E., Harro D.R., Hicklin A. Practical quantitative lithic use-wear analysis using multiple classifiers. J.Archaeol. Sci. 2010, 37:2671-2678.
93. Tringham R., Cooper G., Odell G., Voytek B., Whitman A. Experimentation in the formation of edge damage: a new approach to lithic analysis. J.Field Archaeol. 1974, 1:171-196.
94. Vaughan P.C. Use-wear Analysis of Flaked Stone Tools 1985, University of Arizona Press, Tucson.
95. Vila A., Gallart F. Caracterización de los micropulidos de uso: ejemplo de aplicación del análisis de imagines digitalizadas. Traces et fonction: Les gestes retrouvés 1993, 459-466. ERAUL 50, Liège. P.C. Anderson, S. Beyries, M. Otte, H. Plisson (Eds.).
96. Witthoft J. Glazed polish on flint tools. Am. Antiq. 1967, 32:383-388.
97. Witschey, W.R.T., Brown, C.T. 2003. Fractal fragmentation of archaeological ceramics. Paper Presented at the Symposium "Fractals in Archaeology" at the 68th Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology, April 19-23, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
98. Yerkes R.W. Microwear, microdrills, and Mississippian craft specialization. Am. Antiq. 1983, 48:499-518.
99. Zubrow E. Fractals, cultural behavior, and prehistory. Am. Archeol. 1985, 5:63-77.