Use-wear analysis

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Use-wear analysis is a method in archaeology to identify the functions of artefact tools by closely examining their working surfaces and edges. It is mainly used on stone tools.

Using a high-powered microscope it is possible to closely study the edge of a tool and identify characteristic patterns or wear or damage or material residues created by different uses of that tool, such as sawing, cutting or piercing. Experimental archaeology can be employed to test hypotheses on tool function by replicating different activities with freshly-made tools.

[edit] Source

Darvill, T (ed.) (2003). Oxford Concise Dictionary of Archaeology, Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-280005-1.

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