STONE OR METAL? DIAGNOSING THE MATERIAL AGENT OF EARLY BRONZE AGE CUT MARKS FROM LERNA, GREECE

Abstract

This dissertation examines cut marks on animal bone from Early Bronze Age Lerna in Greece to determine the material agent; a stone or metal tool. An experimental group of cut marks was produced to compare to the Lerna material. Both materials were analysed using a method yet to be used for cut mark studies, Micro-CT. Micro-CT was assessed whether it is an appropriate method for diagnosing cut marks on bone by comparing the results to SEM and light microscopy. In diagnosing the cut mark it was hypothesised that the profile and surface features will be important factors based on previous research (Walker and Long, 1977, Potts and Shipman, 1981, Greenfield, 1999, 2002, 2006). This study found that Micro-CT is excellent for showing the profile of a cut mark but not detailed surface features. Micro-CT also portrayed how the profile could vary, even within a single cut. For these reasons it was found profile alone is not enough to diagnose a cut mark and surface features are equally important. It was also found that comparing SEM, light microscopy, and Micro-CT was extremely beneficial as each technique has strengths and weaknesses. In regard to the Lerna material, it was found that three cut marks are almost certainly from stone tools and two cut marks are probably from metal tools. The findings add to evidence for the Bronze Age being a transitory period between stone and metal technologies.