An Experimental Study of Percussion Technologies in the Minusinsk Basin: Percussion and Tool Types
An Experimental Study of Percussion Technologies in the Minusinsk Basin: Percussion and Tool Types
L.V. Zotkina, A.S. Tekhterekov, V.M. Kharevich, and H. Plisson.
Technological and traceological analyses of petroglyphic art are based on experiments at various levels, from the general to the more specifi c. In this article we formulate the objectives of future technological studies into the petroglyphs of the Minusinsk Basin. We address the morphology and material of tools, and principal technological devices used including direct and indirect percussion (piquetage). Based on experiments using local rocks and the results of traceological analysis we establish the morphological features of traces left by metal tools and by those made on local pebbles. A new technological criterion is suggested regarding the robustness of the tools with which the carvings were made. Basic technological stages in the creation of petroglyphs are reconstructed for Shalabolino and Malaya Boyarskaya rock art sites.
