Polished flint ‘scrapers’ from Nida neolithic settlement - were they tools? Clues from experimental studies and a use-wear analysis
Volume 42, Issue 1 (2016): Lietuvos archeologija, pp. 127–149
Pub. online: 18 February 2025
Type: Article
Open Access
Open Access
Received
30 October 2015
30 October 2015
Accepted
7 April 2016
7 April 2016
Published
18 February 2025
18 February 2025
Abstract
The Nida site is an extensively investigated Neolithic settlement with extraordinary rich, Rzucewo culturematerial (3200–2400 cal BC). A special type of fint 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 affliation for utilitarian functions. However, no arguments for their use as a hide
or other scraper have yet been presented. The goal of this paper is to present the results of the first 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 postdepositional alterations during aeolian processes, the present authors assert that these polished ‘scrapers’ were probably not used for household activities in the traditional sense. This 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.