In traditional hunting and gathering societies, it is a common practice to fashion projectiles fo... more In traditional hunting and gathering societies, it is a common practice to fashion projectiles for different purposes. The spectrum of the available morphologies for projectiles and their tips is dictated by several kinds of constraints such as aerodynamic and mechanical properties, different hunting strategies, the available game or the range of the shot. This article focuses on a particular aspect of duality in primitive projectile technology interpreted with a fitness landscape model. Using geometric morphometric analysis, the author argues that the duality in projectile morphology and performance characteristics observed in the studied projectile weapon systems is the result of technological and physical constraints placed upon primitive projectile technology. For a more comprehensive explanation of this phenomenon, an optimality model explaining the development of flexible projectile weapon systems is proposed.
Lincombian‑Ranisian‑Jerzmanowician points were used primarily as hunting weapons: morphological and functional analysis of points from Nietoperzowa Cave, southern Poland, 2022
Points from the Lincombian-Ranisian-Jerzmanowician complex (LRJ) evoke numerous comments regardin... more Points from the Lincombian-Ranisian-Jerzmanowician complex (LRJ) evoke numerous comments regarding their cultural patterning and their typo-technological characteristics. The unceasing interest in this group of tools is additionally stimulated by the fact that, in light of the most recent chronometric data, the development of the LRJ complexes in Europe coincides exactly with the period of the Neanderthals' extinction and the niche extension by modern humans. So far, however, scant information has been provided on the weapon systems used by the hunter-gatherers of LRJ. A re-examination of this group of tools from Nietoperzowa Cave in Poland, the richest LRJ set in Europe, provides new data which fill this gap. Using a multi-proxy approach, which involves geometric-morphometric analyses as well as microscopic and technological studies, we concluded that the points form a homogeneous group with respect to their morphology and functional character. Our findings suggest that the shape subject to predominantly laterisation was the result of the selection of half-product or elongated flakes, and the use of a consistently repetitive procedure to form the proximal and distal parts. The microscopic examination provided evidence that the points were mainly used as components of hunting weapons. We also obtained, for the first time, evidence that answers the question of how some points may have been mounted. In terms of tip cross-section indices, the points from Nietoperzowa Cave are intermediate between arrowheads and tips of the atlatl and examples of Middle Palaeolithic points; they differ only slightly from Szeletian points, which are assigned to the late Middle Palaeolithic or Early Upper Palaeolithic (EUP). They show an affinity to some blade EUP industries.
Kopalnie Krzemienia na Stanowisku "Za Garncarzami" w Ożarowie, 2020
Geometric-morphometric analyses are becoming widespread in the field of lithic studies. Their app... more Geometric-morphometric analyses are becoming widespread in the field of lithic studies. Their application is driven by the powerful methods of data analysis offered by morphometric computer software. Additionally, computer programs for digital shape analysis are mostly freeware and easy to handle, even for a non-morphometrician. Analyses carried out with this software often yield interesting results and present a new perspective on lithic tools. In practice, geometric-morphometrics provide reliable and objective information on the overall shape variability in stone tool assemblages. Among other factors, this variability may be interpreted as an effect of shape alterations due to resharpening and reduction strategies. Geometric morphometrics are mainly based on outline shape analysis, which is especially useful when studying bifacial tools, as these are often identified and classified based on contour morphology. This chapter contains the results of a statistical shape analysis undertaken on a group of bifacial sickles mostly recovered from burial deposits of the Mierzanowice culture. Following a standard procedure, which is commonly applied in geometric-morphometrics, we have digitized a set of 33 drawings and photographs of bifacial sickles. Outlines of these artefacts were then properly oriented along their axis of symmetry and transformed into a set of 50 semi-landmarks. All outlines were then superimposed with the Procrustes analysis using the Palaeontological Statistics software. After the process of digitisation and preparation of data, an analysis with the so called common allometric component (CAC) was conducted. The results of the CAC analysis reveal patterned changes in the proportions of bifaces. Studying the morphology of these artefacts, supported with the results of the geometric-morphometric analysis, led us to the conclusion that the main factor responsible for the variability of sickles was most likely the continuous and strategic resharpening aimed at curation of specific parts of these tools.
The issue of projectile technology is an interesting aspect within the studies on hunter-gatherer... more The issue of projectile technology is an interesting aspect within the studies on hunter-gatherer societies of the palaeolithic period. Hunting was the basic subsistence strategy at leasts since the Middle Palaeolithic. At the same time hunting remains are a relatively poorly understood element of hunters-gatherers life. This is due to the fact, that most organic components of palaeolithic hunting weapons are not preserved. Conversely, the progress in the research on palaeolithic projectile technology in past two decades lead to the development of interesting methods and concepts. The aim of this paper is to present the results of the aforementioned research, which will hopefully encourage scholars to approach the subject of hunting and projectile technology in a larger extent.
Proceedings of XXVIII e congrès préhistorique de France – Amiens, 30 mai-4 juin 2016, 2019
This paper seeks to provide an overview of lithic inventories in the Swiderian culture, sometimes... more This paper seeks to provide an overview of lithic inventories in the Swiderian culture, sometimes also called the Mazovian, developing in areas of Poland in the Late Palaeolithic. It discusses selected aspects of typology, technology and utilization of lithic artefacts on the basis of several inventories recovered from different areas, characterized by the occurrence of both high and poor quality raw materials (i.e. Cichmiana 2, Lubrza 10, Kraków-Bieżanów 15, Suchodółka 3 and Żuławka 13). The applied research methodology combined a morphological analysis, debitage refitting, the experimental method, use-wear analysis and quantitative approach. Typological, technological, raw material and functional characteristics of the analyzed lithic artefacts have enabled us to indicate some interesting correlations between manufacturing techniques, the morphology of lithic tools and their usage. In general, Swiderian inventories are typified by the presence of willow leaf and tanged points, burins or end-scrapers made on thin blades. Tanged points are characterized by flat retouching on the ventral side, which was made using some stone tools. Our studies have revealed that the distribution and usage of Swiderian lithic artefacts was well planned and focused on the production of good quality blanks, from which retouched forms (such as tanged points, end-scrapers or burins) were fashioned. Ad hoc production is fairly nonexistent in the Swiderian material culture. The technological analysis, based on the morphological features of the core reduction products, has shown that the Swiderian debitage was generally concentrated on the detachment of intended blades. The technology was associated mostly with opposed platform cores, very intensive and precise preparation of cores, reduction, renovation of cores and blade production, and the application of the soft hammer stone technique. Such types of cores are generally considered typical of assemblages attributable to the Swiderian occupation, yet sites with restricted access to good quality raw material also yielded cores almost unprepared for working. Use-wear studies performed on formal tools and a sample of unretouched products of core reduction (flakes and blades) have suggested that the implements were usually used for hunting and butchering activities, and in individual cases also for plant and wood processing. We were particularly interested in Swiderian points, which were employed as components of projectile weapons. A quantitative approach was applied in order to precisely determine the function of willow leaf points – whether they were used as arrowheads, dart-tips or spear-points.
All these Fantastic Cultures? Research History and Regionalization in the Late Palaeolithic Tanged Point Cultures of Eastern Europe, 2019
The Late Glacial, that is the period from the first pronounced warming after the Last Glacial Max... more The Late Glacial, that is the period from the first pronounced warming after the Last Glacial Maximum to the beginning of the Holocene (c. 16,000-11,700 cal BP), is traditionally viewed as a time when northern Europe was being recolonized and Late Palaeolithic cultures diversified. These cultures are characterized by particular artefact types, or the co-occurrence or specific relative frequencies of these. In northeastern Europe, numerous cultures have been proposed on the basis of supposedly different tanged points. This practice of naming new cultural units based on these perceived differences has been repeatedly critiqued, but robust alternatives have rarely been offered. Here, we review the taxonomic landscape of Late Palaeolithic large tanged point cultures in eastern Europe as currently envisaged, which leads us to be cautious about the epistemological validity of many of the constituent groups. This, in turn, motivates us to investigate the key artefact class, the large tanged point, using geometric morphometric methods. Using these methods, we show that distinct groups are difficult to recognize, with major implications for our understanding of patterns and processes of culture change in this period in northeastern Europe and perhaps elsewhere.
archeologia żywa Temat numeru POLOWANIE NA MAMUTA Wynalezienie broni miotanej było jednym z najwa... more archeologia żywa Temat numeru POLOWANIE NA MAMUTA Wynalezienie broni miotanej było jednym z najważniejszych osiągnięć łowców i zbieraczy epoki kamienia. Opanowanie zdolności zabijania na odległość przyczyniło się do rozszerzenia zakresu diety archaicznych ludzi poprzez ułatwienie polowań. KAMIL SERWATKA BROŃ MIOTANA PALEOLITYCZNA Konstrukcja i zasada działania miotacza oszczepów
This paper seeks to provide an interpretation of Final Palaeolithic Swiderian points variability ... more This paper seeks to provide an interpretation of Final Palaeolithic Swiderian points variability based on the concept of flexible projectile weapon systems. The paper focuses on aspects of performance characteristics of Swiderian points and their function as elements of projectile weapons. The sample of 294 Swiderian points from 12 Polish and one Ukrainian site was incorporated in the study. The applied research methodology combines a use wear analysis, observation of diagnostic impact fractures (DIF's), analysis of quantitative ballistic features, such as the tip cross-sectional area (TCSA), and geometric-morphometric analysis of points outline shape along with ethnographic analogies. The combination of these methods allows a more comprehensive understanding of lithic points function within particular projectile weapon systems. The study has revealed that the duality in the morphology and the design of Swiderian points most likely corresponds to a phenomenon, which is frequently observed in the construction of projectiles in traditional hunting societies and which derives from the so called "mass/velocity relationship". This phenomenon is here referred to as "flexible projectile weapon systems".
ABSTRACT This article is a study devoted to the spatial organization of a settlement of the Swide... more ABSTRACT This article is a study devoted to the spatial organization of a settlement of the Swiderian culture at Kraków-Bieżanów site 15. In the course of wide-scale rescue excavations (1999-2008), numerous lithic materials associated with this culture were discovered. They come from archaeological features such as the small kshemenitsa (KB-15/1 – feature 1) or spots of material clustering (features 2 and 3), they were collected as single finds. The spatialanalysis of the basic tool groups, i.e. Swiderian points, endscrapers and burins, showed that their distribution around archaeological objects wasnot accidental and points to diversity in functional space organization at the site. The aim of this investigation was to find the reason for the nature of this differentiation. For this purpose, a part of the available material has been studied by means of use-wear analysis. Although the state of preservation of lithics greatly reduced the possibility of carrying out functional analysis, a number of valuable observations were made. Particularly interesting were results concerning Swiderian points and endscrapers. In addition, Swiderian points, as the most intriguing category of typological tool related to the Swiderian culture, were analyzed by morphometric methods (tip cross-sectional area analysis, tip angle analysis, geometrics morphometrics) which were subjected to corroborated use-wear studies. The results obtained indicated the distictive areas (points, endscrapers and burins zones) and shed light on their functional interpretation. ABSTRAKT Niniejszy artykuł jest studium poświęconym organizacji przestrzennej osadnictwa kultury świ-derskiej na stanowisku w Krakowie-Bieżanowie 15. W trakcie szerokopłaszczyznowych badań ratowniczych (2004-2008), pozyskano tam liczne materiały krzemienne wiązane z tą kulturą. Pochodzą one zarówno z obiektów, jak np. niewielkiej krzemienicy (KB-15/1 – obiekt 1), czy skupiska materiału (obiekt 2 i 3), jak również ze znacz-nej części przebadanej partii stanowiska, gdzie zostały podjęte jako znaleziska pojedyncze. Analiza planigraficzna podstawowych grup narzędziowych, tj. liściaków (ostrzy) świderskich, drapaczy i rylców, pokazała, że ich rozrzut wokół obiektów archeologicznych nie jest przypadkowy i wskazuje on na zróżnicowanie w zakresie funkcjonalnej organizacji przestrzeni przez ludność kultury świderskiej na stanowisku. Niniejsze badanie miało odpowiedzieć na pytanie dotyczące właściwości tego zróżnicowania. W tym celu przebadano mikroskopowo część dostępnego ma-teriału. Chociaż stan zachowania zabytków mocno ograniczył możliwość przeprowadzenie analizy traseologicznej, to poczyniono szereg cennych obserwacji. Szczególnie interesujące wnioski dotyczyły liściaków i drapaczy. Dodatkowo, liściaki świderskie, jako miarodajna kategoria zabytków związanych z kulturą świderską, zostały przeanalizowane przez zastosowanie metod morfometrycznych (analiza przekroju poprzecznego ostrza, analiza kąta ostrza, morfometria geometryczna kształtu liściaków), a płynące z nich wnioski uzupełniły badania traseolo-giczne. Uzyskane wyniki pozwoliły na wskazanie wyróżniających się obszarów (strefy liściaków, drapaczy i ryl-ców) oraz ich interpretację funkcjonalną. Słowa kluczowe: Paleolit schyłkowy, kultura świderska, analiza geometryczno-morfometryczna kształtu, analiza tra-seologiczna, analiza przekroju poprzecznego
The Middle Palaeolithic bifacial tools in Silesia are usually represented by isolated and unstrat... more The Middle Palaeolithic bifacial tools in Silesia are usually represented by isolated and unstratified finds. Obviously, in this situation only technological and stylistic analysis can provide data on way of manufacture and a place of finds in the context of Middle Palaeolithic industries. This paper presents results of study of new bifacial finds which were found on surface of site 49a in Pietraszyn (Głubczyce Plateau, SW Poland. We decided to analyse of tool reliefs and morphometric features using geomorphometric morphometric approach in order to determine the production method and spatio-temporal unit of new finds. Studying technology and morphology allowed us to ensure that tools belong to plano-convex bifaces of so called Prądnik culture. The tool shapes are result of the raw material selection as well as use of specific knapping methods. We also realised that tools from site 49a correspond to bifaces from nearby site 49 which is regarded as assemblage of Central European Micoquian.
Large tanged points are known from several Final Palaeolithic technocomplexes in Europe. In diffe... more Large tanged points are known from several Final Palaeolithic technocomplexes in Europe. In different regions, they are known by different labels (e.g. Bromme points, Lyngby points, and Teyjat points) and are often given culturally and hence chronologically diagnostic status as important fossiles directeurs, especially in northern Europe. The vast majority of these finds are from the surface or derive from less-than-secure contexts. Several recent papers have cast doubt on the validity of this artefact class as a taxonomically sensitive marker. Here, we further investigate this issue using 2D geometric morphometric techniques on a sample of published large tanged points from several key sites in northern Europe. This analysis reveals a substantial amount of shape variation within this artefact class and finds no support for distinctions between large tanged points derived from different cultural and/or chronological contexts. Our analysis thus strongly supports the notion that large tanged points do not function as useful culturally diagnostic marker artefacts. The earliest occurrences of Final Palaeolithic large tanged points date to late GS-2 or GI-1e (~15,000–14,000 cal BP), alongside arch-backed points. Their presence in later assemblages and technocomplexes such as the Brommean cannot therefore be considered as a derived or diagnostic feature. We suggest that this artefact class should rather be linked to weapon systems function (dart-points) different from the coeval arch-backed points (arrowheads) and that definitions of cultures based on these should thus be taken up for critical revision.
Nowadays, geometric morphometrics are being widely i
mplemented in lithic studies. Their applicat... more Nowadays, geometric morphometrics are being widely i mplemented in lithic studies. Their application is driven by the powerful methods of data analysis off ered by morphometric computer software. Additionally, computer programs for digital shape analysis are freeware and easy to handle, even for a non-morphometrician. The results achieved with this software yield interesting conclusions and they off er a new perspective on lithic tools. This presents morphometrics as a potentiall y useful methodological tool in the fi eld of lithic analysis, which often has to deal with artifacts morphology. The aim of this study is to test the utility of basic shape analyses included in the PAST (Palaeontological Statistics) computer pr ogram, and especially elliptical Fourier analysis, in identifying reduction eff ects on Late Middle Palaeolithic bifacial tools. For this purpose, an assemblage of 147 bifacial tools from Southern Poland was analyzed. The sample comprised of Keilmessergruppen handaxes, Keilmesser and Late Middle Palaeolithic leaf points. The results reveal patterned changes in artifacts proportions, which may have been caused by continuous resharpening/reduction as well as by gradual alteration of tools design, due to their changing function.
This paper presents a part of the results of archaeological excavations conducted
in 2013 near Ka... more This paper presents a part of the results of archaeological excavations conducted in 2013 near Kazimierza Wielkiego street in Wrocław. The study focuses on two sections of late medieval pipeline discovered in the excavated area. An analysis of the explored features and archaeological material is applied to approximate the chronology and the specifity of the find. The obtained results indicate that the two sections of the pipeline were most probably constructed in separate periods. This finding and the conclusions made shed more light on the location and the course of aqueduct threads in medieval Wrocław.
In the past decade, geometric morphometrics have come to be widely implemented in lithic studies.... more In the past decade, geometric morphometrics have come to be widely implemented in lithic studies. Because of the application of multivariate statistical methods morphometric shape analysis is considered an accurate methodological tool for exploring the diversity of bifacial artifacts morphology. The aim of this paper is to test the utility of morphometric outline shape analysis in assessing the variability of Late Middle Palaeolithic bifacial artifacts. An assemblage of 42 handaxes and 51 keilmesser was analysed and compared to 54 LMP leaf points to seek out patterns of their shape variation. The results reveal patterned changes of bifaces proportions which may have been caused by continuous reduction, as well as by diachronic changes in artifacts design.
In traditional hunting and gathering societies, it is a common practice to fashion projectiles fo... more In traditional hunting and gathering societies, it is a common practice to fashion projectiles for different purposes. The spectrum of the available morphologies for projectiles and their tips is dictated by several kinds of constraints such as aerodynamic and mechanical properties, different hunting strategies, the available game or the range of the shot. This article focuses on a particular aspect of duality in primitive projectile technology interpreted with a fitness landscape model. Using geometric morphometric analysis, the author argues that the duality in projectile morphology and performance characteristics observed in the studied projectile weapon systems is the result of technological and physical constraints placed upon primitive projectile technology. For a more comprehensive explanation of this phenomenon, an optimality model explaining the development of flexible projectile weapon systems is proposed.
Lincombian‑Ranisian‑Jerzmanowician points were used primarily as hunting weapons: morphological and functional analysis of points from Nietoperzowa Cave, southern Poland, 2022
Points from the Lincombian-Ranisian-Jerzmanowician complex (LRJ) evoke numerous comments regardin... more Points from the Lincombian-Ranisian-Jerzmanowician complex (LRJ) evoke numerous comments regarding their cultural patterning and their typo-technological characteristics. The unceasing interest in this group of tools is additionally stimulated by the fact that, in light of the most recent chronometric data, the development of the LRJ complexes in Europe coincides exactly with the period of the Neanderthals' extinction and the niche extension by modern humans. So far, however, scant information has been provided on the weapon systems used by the hunter-gatherers of LRJ. A re-examination of this group of tools from Nietoperzowa Cave in Poland, the richest LRJ set in Europe, provides new data which fill this gap. Using a multi-proxy approach, which involves geometric-morphometric analyses as well as microscopic and technological studies, we concluded that the points form a homogeneous group with respect to their morphology and functional character. Our findings suggest that the shape subject to predominantly laterisation was the result of the selection of half-product or elongated flakes, and the use of a consistently repetitive procedure to form the proximal and distal parts. The microscopic examination provided evidence that the points were mainly used as components of hunting weapons. We also obtained, for the first time, evidence that answers the question of how some points may have been mounted. In terms of tip cross-section indices, the points from Nietoperzowa Cave are intermediate between arrowheads and tips of the atlatl and examples of Middle Palaeolithic points; they differ only slightly from Szeletian points, which are assigned to the late Middle Palaeolithic or Early Upper Palaeolithic (EUP). They show an affinity to some blade EUP industries.
Kopalnie Krzemienia na Stanowisku "Za Garncarzami" w Ożarowie, 2020
Geometric-morphometric analyses are becoming widespread in the field of lithic studies. Their app... more Geometric-morphometric analyses are becoming widespread in the field of lithic studies. Their application is driven by the powerful methods of data analysis offered by morphometric computer software. Additionally, computer programs for digital shape analysis are mostly freeware and easy to handle, even for a non-morphometrician. Analyses carried out with this software often yield interesting results and present a new perspective on lithic tools. In practice, geometric-morphometrics provide reliable and objective information on the overall shape variability in stone tool assemblages. Among other factors, this variability may be interpreted as an effect of shape alterations due to resharpening and reduction strategies. Geometric morphometrics are mainly based on outline shape analysis, which is especially useful when studying bifacial tools, as these are often identified and classified based on contour morphology. This chapter contains the results of a statistical shape analysis undertaken on a group of bifacial sickles mostly recovered from burial deposits of the Mierzanowice culture. Following a standard procedure, which is commonly applied in geometric-morphometrics, we have digitized a set of 33 drawings and photographs of bifacial sickles. Outlines of these artefacts were then properly oriented along their axis of symmetry and transformed into a set of 50 semi-landmarks. All outlines were then superimposed with the Procrustes analysis using the Palaeontological Statistics software. After the process of digitisation and preparation of data, an analysis with the so called common allometric component (CAC) was conducted. The results of the CAC analysis reveal patterned changes in the proportions of bifaces. Studying the morphology of these artefacts, supported with the results of the geometric-morphometric analysis, led us to the conclusion that the main factor responsible for the variability of sickles was most likely the continuous and strategic resharpening aimed at curation of specific parts of these tools.
The issue of projectile technology is an interesting aspect within the studies on hunter-gatherer... more The issue of projectile technology is an interesting aspect within the studies on hunter-gatherer societies of the palaeolithic period. Hunting was the basic subsistence strategy at leasts since the Middle Palaeolithic. At the same time hunting remains are a relatively poorly understood element of hunters-gatherers life. This is due to the fact, that most organic components of palaeolithic hunting weapons are not preserved. Conversely, the progress in the research on palaeolithic projectile technology in past two decades lead to the development of interesting methods and concepts. The aim of this paper is to present the results of the aforementioned research, which will hopefully encourage scholars to approach the subject of hunting and projectile technology in a larger extent.
Proceedings of XXVIII e congrès préhistorique de France – Amiens, 30 mai-4 juin 2016, 2019
This paper seeks to provide an overview of lithic inventories in the Swiderian culture, sometimes... more This paper seeks to provide an overview of lithic inventories in the Swiderian culture, sometimes also called the Mazovian, developing in areas of Poland in the Late Palaeolithic. It discusses selected aspects of typology, technology and utilization of lithic artefacts on the basis of several inventories recovered from different areas, characterized by the occurrence of both high and poor quality raw materials (i.e. Cichmiana 2, Lubrza 10, Kraków-Bieżanów 15, Suchodółka 3 and Żuławka 13). The applied research methodology combined a morphological analysis, debitage refitting, the experimental method, use-wear analysis and quantitative approach. Typological, technological, raw material and functional characteristics of the analyzed lithic artefacts have enabled us to indicate some interesting correlations between manufacturing techniques, the morphology of lithic tools and their usage. In general, Swiderian inventories are typified by the presence of willow leaf and tanged points, burins or end-scrapers made on thin blades. Tanged points are characterized by flat retouching on the ventral side, which was made using some stone tools. Our studies have revealed that the distribution and usage of Swiderian lithic artefacts was well planned and focused on the production of good quality blanks, from which retouched forms (such as tanged points, end-scrapers or burins) were fashioned. Ad hoc production is fairly nonexistent in the Swiderian material culture. The technological analysis, based on the morphological features of the core reduction products, has shown that the Swiderian debitage was generally concentrated on the detachment of intended blades. The technology was associated mostly with opposed platform cores, very intensive and precise preparation of cores, reduction, renovation of cores and blade production, and the application of the soft hammer stone technique. Such types of cores are generally considered typical of assemblages attributable to the Swiderian occupation, yet sites with restricted access to good quality raw material also yielded cores almost unprepared for working. Use-wear studies performed on formal tools and a sample of unretouched products of core reduction (flakes and blades) have suggested that the implements were usually used for hunting and butchering activities, and in individual cases also for plant and wood processing. We were particularly interested in Swiderian points, which were employed as components of projectile weapons. A quantitative approach was applied in order to precisely determine the function of willow leaf points – whether they were used as arrowheads, dart-tips or spear-points.
All these Fantastic Cultures? Research History and Regionalization in the Late Palaeolithic Tanged Point Cultures of Eastern Europe, 2019
The Late Glacial, that is the period from the first pronounced warming after the Last Glacial Max... more The Late Glacial, that is the period from the first pronounced warming after the Last Glacial Maximum to the beginning of the Holocene (c. 16,000-11,700 cal BP), is traditionally viewed as a time when northern Europe was being recolonized and Late Palaeolithic cultures diversified. These cultures are characterized by particular artefact types, or the co-occurrence or specific relative frequencies of these. In northeastern Europe, numerous cultures have been proposed on the basis of supposedly different tanged points. This practice of naming new cultural units based on these perceived differences has been repeatedly critiqued, but robust alternatives have rarely been offered. Here, we review the taxonomic landscape of Late Palaeolithic large tanged point cultures in eastern Europe as currently envisaged, which leads us to be cautious about the epistemological validity of many of the constituent groups. This, in turn, motivates us to investigate the key artefact class, the large tanged point, using geometric morphometric methods. Using these methods, we show that distinct groups are difficult to recognize, with major implications for our understanding of patterns and processes of culture change in this period in northeastern Europe and perhaps elsewhere.
archeologia żywa Temat numeru POLOWANIE NA MAMUTA Wynalezienie broni miotanej było jednym z najwa... more archeologia żywa Temat numeru POLOWANIE NA MAMUTA Wynalezienie broni miotanej było jednym z najważniejszych osiągnięć łowców i zbieraczy epoki kamienia. Opanowanie zdolności zabijania na odległość przyczyniło się do rozszerzenia zakresu diety archaicznych ludzi poprzez ułatwienie polowań. KAMIL SERWATKA BROŃ MIOTANA PALEOLITYCZNA Konstrukcja i zasada działania miotacza oszczepów
This paper seeks to provide an interpretation of Final Palaeolithic Swiderian points variability ... more This paper seeks to provide an interpretation of Final Palaeolithic Swiderian points variability based on the concept of flexible projectile weapon systems. The paper focuses on aspects of performance characteristics of Swiderian points and their function as elements of projectile weapons. The sample of 294 Swiderian points from 12 Polish and one Ukrainian site was incorporated in the study. The applied research methodology combines a use wear analysis, observation of diagnostic impact fractures (DIF's), analysis of quantitative ballistic features, such as the tip cross-sectional area (TCSA), and geometric-morphometric analysis of points outline shape along with ethnographic analogies. The combination of these methods allows a more comprehensive understanding of lithic points function within particular projectile weapon systems. The study has revealed that the duality in the morphology and the design of Swiderian points most likely corresponds to a phenomenon, which is frequently observed in the construction of projectiles in traditional hunting societies and which derives from the so called "mass/velocity relationship". This phenomenon is here referred to as "flexible projectile weapon systems".
ABSTRACT This article is a study devoted to the spatial organization of a settlement of the Swide... more ABSTRACT This article is a study devoted to the spatial organization of a settlement of the Swiderian culture at Kraków-Bieżanów site 15. In the course of wide-scale rescue excavations (1999-2008), numerous lithic materials associated with this culture were discovered. They come from archaeological features such as the small kshemenitsa (KB-15/1 – feature 1) or spots of material clustering (features 2 and 3), they were collected as single finds. The spatialanalysis of the basic tool groups, i.e. Swiderian points, endscrapers and burins, showed that their distribution around archaeological objects wasnot accidental and points to diversity in functional space organization at the site. The aim of this investigation was to find the reason for the nature of this differentiation. For this purpose, a part of the available material has been studied by means of use-wear analysis. Although the state of preservation of lithics greatly reduced the possibility of carrying out functional analysis, a number of valuable observations were made. Particularly interesting were results concerning Swiderian points and endscrapers. In addition, Swiderian points, as the most intriguing category of typological tool related to the Swiderian culture, were analyzed by morphometric methods (tip cross-sectional area analysis, tip angle analysis, geometrics morphometrics) which were subjected to corroborated use-wear studies. The results obtained indicated the distictive areas (points, endscrapers and burins zones) and shed light on their functional interpretation. ABSTRAKT Niniejszy artykuł jest studium poświęconym organizacji przestrzennej osadnictwa kultury świ-derskiej na stanowisku w Krakowie-Bieżanowie 15. W trakcie szerokopłaszczyznowych badań ratowniczych (2004-2008), pozyskano tam liczne materiały krzemienne wiązane z tą kulturą. Pochodzą one zarówno z obiektów, jak np. niewielkiej krzemienicy (KB-15/1 – obiekt 1), czy skupiska materiału (obiekt 2 i 3), jak również ze znacz-nej części przebadanej partii stanowiska, gdzie zostały podjęte jako znaleziska pojedyncze. Analiza planigraficzna podstawowych grup narzędziowych, tj. liściaków (ostrzy) świderskich, drapaczy i rylców, pokazała, że ich rozrzut wokół obiektów archeologicznych nie jest przypadkowy i wskazuje on na zróżnicowanie w zakresie funkcjonalnej organizacji przestrzeni przez ludność kultury świderskiej na stanowisku. Niniejsze badanie miało odpowiedzieć na pytanie dotyczące właściwości tego zróżnicowania. W tym celu przebadano mikroskopowo część dostępnego ma-teriału. Chociaż stan zachowania zabytków mocno ograniczył możliwość przeprowadzenie analizy traseologicznej, to poczyniono szereg cennych obserwacji. Szczególnie interesujące wnioski dotyczyły liściaków i drapaczy. Dodatkowo, liściaki świderskie, jako miarodajna kategoria zabytków związanych z kulturą świderską, zostały przeanalizowane przez zastosowanie metod morfometrycznych (analiza przekroju poprzecznego ostrza, analiza kąta ostrza, morfometria geometryczna kształtu liściaków), a płynące z nich wnioski uzupełniły badania traseolo-giczne. Uzyskane wyniki pozwoliły na wskazanie wyróżniających się obszarów (strefy liściaków, drapaczy i ryl-ców) oraz ich interpretację funkcjonalną. Słowa kluczowe: Paleolit schyłkowy, kultura świderska, analiza geometryczno-morfometryczna kształtu, analiza tra-seologiczna, analiza przekroju poprzecznego
The Middle Palaeolithic bifacial tools in Silesia are usually represented by isolated and unstrat... more The Middle Palaeolithic bifacial tools in Silesia are usually represented by isolated and unstratified finds. Obviously, in this situation only technological and stylistic analysis can provide data on way of manufacture and a place of finds in the context of Middle Palaeolithic industries. This paper presents results of study of new bifacial finds which were found on surface of site 49a in Pietraszyn (Głubczyce Plateau, SW Poland. We decided to analyse of tool reliefs and morphometric features using geomorphometric morphometric approach in order to determine the production method and spatio-temporal unit of new finds. Studying technology and morphology allowed us to ensure that tools belong to plano-convex bifaces of so called Prądnik culture. The tool shapes are result of the raw material selection as well as use of specific knapping methods. We also realised that tools from site 49a correspond to bifaces from nearby site 49 which is regarded as assemblage of Central European Micoquian.
Large tanged points are known from several Final Palaeolithic technocomplexes in Europe. In diffe... more Large tanged points are known from several Final Palaeolithic technocomplexes in Europe. In different regions, they are known by different labels (e.g. Bromme points, Lyngby points, and Teyjat points) and are often given culturally and hence chronologically diagnostic status as important fossiles directeurs, especially in northern Europe. The vast majority of these finds are from the surface or derive from less-than-secure contexts. Several recent papers have cast doubt on the validity of this artefact class as a taxonomically sensitive marker. Here, we further investigate this issue using 2D geometric morphometric techniques on a sample of published large tanged points from several key sites in northern Europe. This analysis reveals a substantial amount of shape variation within this artefact class and finds no support for distinctions between large tanged points derived from different cultural and/or chronological contexts. Our analysis thus strongly supports the notion that large tanged points do not function as useful culturally diagnostic marker artefacts. The earliest occurrences of Final Palaeolithic large tanged points date to late GS-2 or GI-1e (~15,000–14,000 cal BP), alongside arch-backed points. Their presence in later assemblages and technocomplexes such as the Brommean cannot therefore be considered as a derived or diagnostic feature. We suggest that this artefact class should rather be linked to weapon systems function (dart-points) different from the coeval arch-backed points (arrowheads) and that definitions of cultures based on these should thus be taken up for critical revision.
Nowadays, geometric morphometrics are being widely i
mplemented in lithic studies. Their applicat... more Nowadays, geometric morphometrics are being widely i mplemented in lithic studies. Their application is driven by the powerful methods of data analysis off ered by morphometric computer software. Additionally, computer programs for digital shape analysis are freeware and easy to handle, even for a non-morphometrician. The results achieved with this software yield interesting conclusions and they off er a new perspective on lithic tools. This presents morphometrics as a potentiall y useful methodological tool in the fi eld of lithic analysis, which often has to deal with artifacts morphology. The aim of this study is to test the utility of basic shape analyses included in the PAST (Palaeontological Statistics) computer pr ogram, and especially elliptical Fourier analysis, in identifying reduction eff ects on Late Middle Palaeolithic bifacial tools. For this purpose, an assemblage of 147 bifacial tools from Southern Poland was analyzed. The sample comprised of Keilmessergruppen handaxes, Keilmesser and Late Middle Palaeolithic leaf points. The results reveal patterned changes in artifacts proportions, which may have been caused by continuous resharpening/reduction as well as by gradual alteration of tools design, due to their changing function.
This paper presents a part of the results of archaeological excavations conducted
in 2013 near Ka... more This paper presents a part of the results of archaeological excavations conducted in 2013 near Kazimierza Wielkiego street in Wrocław. The study focuses on two sections of late medieval pipeline discovered in the excavated area. An analysis of the explored features and archaeological material is applied to approximate the chronology and the specifity of the find. The obtained results indicate that the two sections of the pipeline were most probably constructed in separate periods. This finding and the conclusions made shed more light on the location and the course of aqueduct threads in medieval Wrocław.
In the past decade, geometric morphometrics have come to be widely implemented in lithic studies.... more In the past decade, geometric morphometrics have come to be widely implemented in lithic studies. Because of the application of multivariate statistical methods morphometric shape analysis is considered an accurate methodological tool for exploring the diversity of bifacial artifacts morphology. The aim of this paper is to test the utility of morphometric outline shape analysis in assessing the variability of Late Middle Palaeolithic bifacial artifacts. An assemblage of 42 handaxes and 51 keilmesser was analysed and compared to 54 LMP leaf points to seek out patterns of their shape variation. The results reveal patterned changes of bifaces proportions which may have been caused by continuous reduction, as well as by diachronic changes in artifacts design.
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Papers by Kamil Serwatka
different purposes. The spectrum of the available morphologies for projectiles and their tips is dictated
by several kinds of constraints such as aerodynamic and mechanical properties, different
hunting strategies, the available game or the range of the shot. This article focuses on a particular
aspect of duality in primitive projectile technology interpreted with a fitness landscape model.
Using geometric morphometric analysis, the author argues that the duality in projectile morphology
and performance characteristics observed in the studied projectile weapon systems is the
result of technological and physical constraints placed upon primitive projectile technology. For
a more comprehensive explanation of this phenomenon, an optimality model explaining the development
of flexible projectile weapon systems is proposed.
encourage scholars to approach the subject of hunting and projectile technology in a larger extent.
called the Mazovian, developing in areas of Poland in the Late Palaeolithic. It discusses selected aspects of
typology, technology and utilization of lithic artefacts on the basis of several inventories recovered from different
areas, characterized by the occurrence of both high and poor quality raw materials (i.e. Cichmiana 2, Lubrza
10, Kraków-Bieżanów 15, Suchodółka 3 and Żuławka 13).
The applied research methodology combined a morphological analysis, debitage refitting, the experimental
method, use-wear analysis and quantitative approach. Typological, technological, raw material and functional
characteristics of the analyzed lithic artefacts have enabled us to indicate some interesting correlations between
manufacturing techniques, the morphology of lithic tools and their usage.
In general, Swiderian inventories are typified by the presence of willow leaf and tanged points, burins or
end-scrapers made on thin blades. Tanged points are characterized by flat retouching on the ventral side, which
was made using some stone tools.
Our studies have revealed that the distribution and usage of Swiderian lithic artefacts was well planned and
focused on the production of good quality blanks, from which retouched forms (such as tanged points,
end-scrapers or burins) were fashioned. Ad hoc production is fairly nonexistent in the Swiderian material
culture. The technological analysis, based on the morphological features of the core reduction products, has
shown that the Swiderian debitage was generally concentrated on the detachment of intended blades. The
technology was associated mostly with opposed platform cores, very intensive and precise preparation of cores,
reduction, renovation of cores and blade production, and the application of the soft hammer stone technique.
Such types of cores are generally considered typical of assemblages attributable to the Swiderian occupation,
yet sites with restricted access to good quality raw material also yielded cores almost unprepared for working.
Use-wear studies performed on formal tools and a sample of unretouched products of core reduction (flakes and
blades) have suggested that the implements were usually used for hunting and butchering activities, and in individual
cases also for plant and wood processing. We were particularly interested in Swiderian points, which were
employed as components of projectile weapons. A quantitative approach was applied in order to precisely determine
the function of willow leaf points – whether they were used as arrowheads, dart-tips or spear-points.
ABSTRAKT Niniejszy artykuł jest studium poświęconym organizacji przestrzennej osadnictwa kultury świ-derskiej na stanowisku w Krakowie-Bieżanowie 15. W trakcie szerokopłaszczyznowych badań ratowniczych (2004-2008), pozyskano tam liczne materiały krzemienne wiązane z tą kulturą. Pochodzą one zarówno z obiektów, jak np. niewielkiej krzemienicy (KB-15/1 – obiekt 1), czy skupiska materiału (obiekt 2 i 3), jak również ze znacz-nej części przebadanej partii stanowiska, gdzie zostały podjęte jako znaleziska pojedyncze. Analiza planigraficzna podstawowych grup narzędziowych, tj. liściaków (ostrzy) świderskich, drapaczy i rylców, pokazała, że ich rozrzut wokół obiektów archeologicznych nie jest przypadkowy i wskazuje on na zróżnicowanie w zakresie funkcjonalnej organizacji przestrzeni przez ludność kultury świderskiej na stanowisku. Niniejsze badanie miało odpowiedzieć na pytanie dotyczące właściwości tego zróżnicowania. W tym celu przebadano mikroskopowo część dostępnego ma-teriału. Chociaż stan zachowania zabytków mocno ograniczył możliwość przeprowadzenie analizy traseologicznej, to poczyniono szereg cennych obserwacji. Szczególnie interesujące wnioski dotyczyły liściaków i drapaczy. Dodatkowo, liściaki świderskie, jako miarodajna kategoria zabytków związanych z kulturą świderską, zostały przeanalizowane przez zastosowanie metod morfometrycznych (analiza przekroju poprzecznego ostrza, analiza kąta ostrza, morfometria geometryczna kształtu liściaków), a płynące z nich wnioski uzupełniły badania traseolo-giczne. Uzyskane wyniki pozwoliły na wskazanie wyróżniających się obszarów (strefy liściaków, drapaczy i ryl-ców) oraz ich interpretację funkcjonalną. Słowa kluczowe: Paleolit schyłkowy, kultura świderska, analiza geometryczno-morfometryczna kształtu, analiza tra-seologiczna, analiza przekroju poprzecznego
finds. Obviously, in this situation only technological and stylistic analysis can provide
data on way of manufacture and a place of finds in the context of Middle Palaeolithic industries.
This paper presents results of study of new bifacial finds which were found on surface of site 49a in
Pietraszyn (Głubczyce Plateau, SW Poland. We decided to analyse of tool reliefs and morphometric
features using geomorphometric morphometric approach in order to determine the production
method and spatio-temporal unit of new finds.
Studying technology and morphology allowed us to ensure that tools belong to plano-convex bifaces
of so called Prądnik culture. The tool shapes are result of the raw material selection as well as use
of specific knapping methods. We also realised that tools from site 49a correspond to bifaces from
nearby site 49 which is regarded as assemblage of Central European Micoquian.
mplemented in lithic studies. Their application is driven
by the powerful methods of data analysis off
ered by morphometric computer software. Additionally, computer
programs for digital shape analysis are freeware and easy to
handle, even for a non-morphometrician. The results
achieved with this software yield interesting conclusions and they off
er a new perspective on lithic tools. This
presents morphometrics as a potentiall
y useful methodological tool in the fi
eld of lithic analysis, which often has
to deal with artifacts morphology. The aim of this study is to test the utility of basic shape analyses included in
the PAST (Palaeontological Statistics) computer pr
ogram, and especially elliptical Fourier analysis, in identifying
reduction eff
ects on Late Middle Palaeolithic bifacial tools. For this purpose, an assemblage of 147 bifacial tools
from Southern Poland was analyzed. The sample comprised of
Keilmessergruppen
handaxes,
Keilmesser
and Late
Middle Palaeolithic leaf points. The results reveal
patterned changes in artifacts proportions, which may have
been caused by continuous resharpening/reduction as well as by gradual alteration of tools design, due to their
changing function.
in 2013 near Kazimierza Wielkiego street in Wrocław. The study focuses on two sections of
late medieval pipeline discovered in the excavated area. An analysis of the explored features
and archaeological material is applied to approximate the chronology and the specifity of the
find. The obtained results indicate that the two sections of the pipeline were most probably
constructed in separate periods. This finding and the conclusions made shed more light on the
location and the course of aqueduct threads in medieval Wrocław.
different purposes. The spectrum of the available morphologies for projectiles and their tips is dictated
by several kinds of constraints such as aerodynamic and mechanical properties, different
hunting strategies, the available game or the range of the shot. This article focuses on a particular
aspect of duality in primitive projectile technology interpreted with a fitness landscape model.
Using geometric morphometric analysis, the author argues that the duality in projectile morphology
and performance characteristics observed in the studied projectile weapon systems is the
result of technological and physical constraints placed upon primitive projectile technology. For
a more comprehensive explanation of this phenomenon, an optimality model explaining the development
of flexible projectile weapon systems is proposed.
encourage scholars to approach the subject of hunting and projectile technology in a larger extent.
called the Mazovian, developing in areas of Poland in the Late Palaeolithic. It discusses selected aspects of
typology, technology and utilization of lithic artefacts on the basis of several inventories recovered from different
areas, characterized by the occurrence of both high and poor quality raw materials (i.e. Cichmiana 2, Lubrza
10, Kraków-Bieżanów 15, Suchodółka 3 and Żuławka 13).
The applied research methodology combined a morphological analysis, debitage refitting, the experimental
method, use-wear analysis and quantitative approach. Typological, technological, raw material and functional
characteristics of the analyzed lithic artefacts have enabled us to indicate some interesting correlations between
manufacturing techniques, the morphology of lithic tools and their usage.
In general, Swiderian inventories are typified by the presence of willow leaf and tanged points, burins or
end-scrapers made on thin blades. Tanged points are characterized by flat retouching on the ventral side, which
was made using some stone tools.
Our studies have revealed that the distribution and usage of Swiderian lithic artefacts was well planned and
focused on the production of good quality blanks, from which retouched forms (such as tanged points,
end-scrapers or burins) were fashioned. Ad hoc production is fairly nonexistent in the Swiderian material
culture. The technological analysis, based on the morphological features of the core reduction products, has
shown that the Swiderian debitage was generally concentrated on the detachment of intended blades. The
technology was associated mostly with opposed platform cores, very intensive and precise preparation of cores,
reduction, renovation of cores and blade production, and the application of the soft hammer stone technique.
Such types of cores are generally considered typical of assemblages attributable to the Swiderian occupation,
yet sites with restricted access to good quality raw material also yielded cores almost unprepared for working.
Use-wear studies performed on formal tools and a sample of unretouched products of core reduction (flakes and
blades) have suggested that the implements were usually used for hunting and butchering activities, and in individual
cases also for plant and wood processing. We were particularly interested in Swiderian points, which were
employed as components of projectile weapons. A quantitative approach was applied in order to precisely determine
the function of willow leaf points – whether they were used as arrowheads, dart-tips or spear-points.
ABSTRAKT Niniejszy artykuł jest studium poświęconym organizacji przestrzennej osadnictwa kultury świ-derskiej na stanowisku w Krakowie-Bieżanowie 15. W trakcie szerokopłaszczyznowych badań ratowniczych (2004-2008), pozyskano tam liczne materiały krzemienne wiązane z tą kulturą. Pochodzą one zarówno z obiektów, jak np. niewielkiej krzemienicy (KB-15/1 – obiekt 1), czy skupiska materiału (obiekt 2 i 3), jak również ze znacz-nej części przebadanej partii stanowiska, gdzie zostały podjęte jako znaleziska pojedyncze. Analiza planigraficzna podstawowych grup narzędziowych, tj. liściaków (ostrzy) świderskich, drapaczy i rylców, pokazała, że ich rozrzut wokół obiektów archeologicznych nie jest przypadkowy i wskazuje on na zróżnicowanie w zakresie funkcjonalnej organizacji przestrzeni przez ludność kultury świderskiej na stanowisku. Niniejsze badanie miało odpowiedzieć na pytanie dotyczące właściwości tego zróżnicowania. W tym celu przebadano mikroskopowo część dostępnego ma-teriału. Chociaż stan zachowania zabytków mocno ograniczył możliwość przeprowadzenie analizy traseologicznej, to poczyniono szereg cennych obserwacji. Szczególnie interesujące wnioski dotyczyły liściaków i drapaczy. Dodatkowo, liściaki świderskie, jako miarodajna kategoria zabytków związanych z kulturą świderską, zostały przeanalizowane przez zastosowanie metod morfometrycznych (analiza przekroju poprzecznego ostrza, analiza kąta ostrza, morfometria geometryczna kształtu liściaków), a płynące z nich wnioski uzupełniły badania traseolo-giczne. Uzyskane wyniki pozwoliły na wskazanie wyróżniających się obszarów (strefy liściaków, drapaczy i ryl-ców) oraz ich interpretację funkcjonalną. Słowa kluczowe: Paleolit schyłkowy, kultura świderska, analiza geometryczno-morfometryczna kształtu, analiza tra-seologiczna, analiza przekroju poprzecznego
finds. Obviously, in this situation only technological and stylistic analysis can provide
data on way of manufacture and a place of finds in the context of Middle Palaeolithic industries.
This paper presents results of study of new bifacial finds which were found on surface of site 49a in
Pietraszyn (Głubczyce Plateau, SW Poland. We decided to analyse of tool reliefs and morphometric
features using geomorphometric morphometric approach in order to determine the production
method and spatio-temporal unit of new finds.
Studying technology and morphology allowed us to ensure that tools belong to plano-convex bifaces
of so called Prądnik culture. The tool shapes are result of the raw material selection as well as use
of specific knapping methods. We also realised that tools from site 49a correspond to bifaces from
nearby site 49 which is regarded as assemblage of Central European Micoquian.
mplemented in lithic studies. Their application is driven
by the powerful methods of data analysis off
ered by morphometric computer software. Additionally, computer
programs for digital shape analysis are freeware and easy to
handle, even for a non-morphometrician. The results
achieved with this software yield interesting conclusions and they off
er a new perspective on lithic tools. This
presents morphometrics as a potentiall
y useful methodological tool in the fi
eld of lithic analysis, which often has
to deal with artifacts morphology. The aim of this study is to test the utility of basic shape analyses included in
the PAST (Palaeontological Statistics) computer pr
ogram, and especially elliptical Fourier analysis, in identifying
reduction eff
ects on Late Middle Palaeolithic bifacial tools. For this purpose, an assemblage of 147 bifacial tools
from Southern Poland was analyzed. The sample comprised of
Keilmessergruppen
handaxes,
Keilmesser
and Late
Middle Palaeolithic leaf points. The results reveal
patterned changes in artifacts proportions, which may have
been caused by continuous resharpening/reduction as well as by gradual alteration of tools design, due to their
changing function.
in 2013 near Kazimierza Wielkiego street in Wrocław. The study focuses on two sections of
late medieval pipeline discovered in the excavated area. An analysis of the explored features
and archaeological material is applied to approximate the chronology and the specifity of the
find. The obtained results indicate that the two sections of the pipeline were most probably
constructed in separate periods. This finding and the conclusions made shed more light on the
location and the course of aqueduct threads in medieval Wrocław.