Analysis of Experimental Debitage from Hammerstone Use and Production: Implications for Ground Stone Use

Abstract

The analysis of hammerstones and hammerstone debitage can provide information about their use, original tool morphology, and tool maintenance. These observations can then be correlated with those of other tools (e.g., manos and metates) to provide information about their manufacturing processes and use. Experiments with hammerstones used for a variety of tasks were conducted. The analysis of the debitage from these experimental hammerstones (via blind tests) provides information about their use, production, and rejuvenation, and it may provide insight into prehistoric milling implement use. The association of hammerstone debitage with debitage from differing milling implement production stages may provide clues to site use even if the milling implements are no longer present.