Daggers from the Fofonovo Burial Ground in the Collection of the Museum of the Buryat Scientifi c Center: Experimental Use-Wear Analysis

Daggers from the Fofonovo Burial Ground in the Collection of the Museum of the Buryat Scientifi c Center: Experimental Use-Wear Analysis

P.V. Volkov P.V. and E.D. Zhambaltarova.

Based on use-wear and technological analysis of daggers from the Fofonovo burial ground of the Western Trans-Baikal region, certain features relevant for their cultural attribution are examined. Lithic elements of composite tools have been defi ned as the heads of daggers that were used for butchering large game animals. These thoroughly made dagger heads show evidence of advanced lithic technologies. They possibly were used in ritual ceremonies.

Keywords: Neolithic, microblades, composite tools, reconstruction of technologies, daggers, hunting.