THE MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF BONE MATERIALS IN RELATION TO THE DESIGNAND FUNCTION OF PREHISTORIC TOOLS FROM TIERRA-DEL-FUEGO, ARGENTINA

Citation
V. Scheinsohn et Jl. Ferretti, THE MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF BONE MATERIALS IN RELATION TO THE DESIGNAND FUNCTION OF PREHISTORIC TOOLS FROM TIERRA-DEL-FUEGO, ARGENTINA, Journal of archaeological science, 22(6), 1995, pp. 711-717
Citations number
35
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Archaeology,Archaeology
ISSN journal
0305-4403
Volume
22
Issue
6
Year of publication
1995
Pages
711 - 717
Database
ISI
SICI code
0305-4403(1995)22:6<711:TMOBMI>2.0.ZU;2-D
Abstract
This paper considers the relationship between mechanical properties, f unction and design in prehistoric bone tools. The evidence that suppor ts this association could lead to the interpretation of bone tool coll ections in the light of evolutionary theory. In order to evaluate the interaction among these three factors we have studied the mechanical a nd geometrical properties of bone used by the prehistoric Fuegians for manufacturing tools (from 6000 sp till the last century). In this stu dy, 3-point tests of bone samples were performed; and the possible fun ction, in terms of modes of action, for each group of tools, was infer red from their morphological traits and the ethnographic record. Resul ts support the view that the bones selected for manufacturing each kin d of tool were those whose geometric and/or mechanical properties most suited the design and function of the tool involved. (C) 1995 Academi c Press Limited