New Publication: Functional Analysis Perspective on Flake Artifacts Found in Tomb Contexts: The Case of the Chalcolithic Souskiou-Laona Cemetery Lithic Assemblage, Cyprus

APAC Labs researchers Mehmet Ozerenler and Sorin Hermon recently published a paper on the application of functional analysis to investigate flake artifacts found in tombs at the Souskiou-Laona Chalcolithic cemetery in Cyprus. The study hypothesizes that these flakes were included as funerary offerings because of their role in producing symbolic objects.

Techno-typological observations indicated that these flakes, primarily knapped using the unipolar technique, were intentionally selected and transported to the cemetery. Use-wear analysis of eighteen flakes showed evidence of use on bone, antler, picrolite, and hide, supporting the study’s hypothesis and enhancing our understanding of prehistoric funerary rituals.

The paper opens new avenues for further investigation into the complex relationships between artifacts and mortuary traditions, highlighting the need to consider the multifaceted roles of seemingly utilitarian tools in understanding past societies.
 

Read the article here.