A Functional Analysis of Stone Tools from Bronze Age Burials in the Baraba Forest-Steppe, Based on Findings from Sopka-2

A Functional Analysis of Stone Tools from Bronze Age Burials
in the Baraba Forest-Steppe, Based on Findings from Sopka-2

doi:10.17746/1563-0110.2022.50.4.058-066

P.V. Volkov and Y.N. Nenakhova
Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pr. Akademika Lavrentieva 17, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia

Lithics from chronologically diverse burials at Sopka-2, the Baraba forest-steppe, Western Siberia, were subjected to experimental use-wear analysis. We selected relatively well preserved specimens, suitable for microscopic examination and representing cultures such as Ust-Tartas, Odino, Krotovo, etc. Wear traces indicate the functions of tools and their places among the industries of the region. It was found that the tools had not been specially destined to be funerary items—they all display some wear and are well-suitedfor efficient use. Comparative characteristics of degree of wear are proposed. At the early stages, stone tools had been placed only in female burials, but at later stages they were distributed among burials of females, children, and males. Thefindings provide a basis for afunctional and morphological typology of lithics used during that period.

Keywords: South Siberia, Baraba forest-steppe, Late Bronze Age, burials, stone tools, functional analysis