The macro-lithic tools from the stone 'manuport' assemblage of Neumark-Nord 2/2, and their contribution to the characterisation of the site as knapping locale

This thesis presents the results of various analyses of the non-flint stone assemblage from Neumark-Nord 2/2 findhorizon. The excavations that took place from 2004 until 2008 in Neumark-Nord 2 lake basin, located in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, uncovered a large amount of faunal remains (130.000) and flint artefacts (20.000). Among the flint artefacts, excavators, also, collected 503 stones other than flint. The various rock types present in the assemblage are locally derived as they were found in the glacial till at the base of NN2 basin; However, the non-flint stones were interpreted as ‘manuports’, a term which mainly refers to objects that were transported by human agency and they do not show traces of modification. This thesis deals with this non-flint stone assemblage. The purpose of this study is, primarily, to identify the raw materials present within the non-flint stone assemblage and the determination of the most likely source of the materials identified. To do this, I...Show moreThis thesis presents the results of various analyses of the non-flint stone assemblage from Neumark-Nord 2/2 findhorizon. The excavations that took place from 2004 until 2008 in Neumark-Nord 2 lake basin, located in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, uncovered a large amount of faunal remains (130.000) and flint artefacts (20.000). Among the flint artefacts, excavators, also, collected 503 stones other than flint. The various rock types present in the assemblage are locally derived as they were found in the glacial till at the base of NN2 basin; However, the non-flint stones were interpreted as ‘manuports’, a term which mainly refers to objects that were transported by human agency and they do not show traces of modification. This thesis deals with this non-flint stone assemblage. The purpose of this study is, primarily, to identify the raw materials present within the non-flint stone assemblage and the determination of the most likely source of the materials identified. To do this, I conducted a technological analysis that included size classification, the identification of the raw materials, the hardness, grain size, natural surface, as well as, the level and type of post depositional surface modifications (PDSM). The second purpose of this study concerns the distinction of non-flint stones that show traces of anthropogenic modification or use. A functional analysis containing variables, such as stone type modification, modification per raw material, fragmentation and a weight distribution will contribute to answer my aim. In addition, the following step is to identify and examine the use-wear traces and correlate the modified non-flint stones with a macro-lithic tool typology. A use-wear analysis with variables, such as type of use-wear, location of the use-wear, as well as, the contact material involved occurred. The results demonstrated the presence of various modified non-flint stones, as well as macro-lithic tools, proving the misconception of these non-flint stones as ‘manuports’. Within the non-flint stone assemblage, macro-lithic tools are present, such as hammerstones and anvils. Moreover, within the modified assemblage, stones were interpreted as flaked stones, simple flakes and heated stones. Depending on the type of use-wear identified, as well as the contact material involved, results shown that percussion activities were taking place at the site of NN2, reaffirming previous assumptions that Neumark-Nord 2/2 was used as a knapping locale.Show less

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The macro-lithic tools from the stone 'manuport' assemblage of Neumark-Nord 2/2, and their contribution to the characterisation of the site as knapping locale