The archaeological site of Calicantone (Sicily, Italy) is known since the 1970s for its necropolis. In 2012, after a survey, archaeologists found close to the necropolis a bi-apsidal hut. The use-wear and technological analysis of the knapped lithic assemblage revealed the presence of artefacts crafted by specialists with advanced technical skills alongside expedient flake tool production. Some technological solutions, such as an obliquely-hafted long pressure-lever blade used as a sickle, are unprecedented for Sicily but find earlier comparisons in the east and north-west Mediterranean. This fact raises questions about the neolithisation in Sicily. Other solutions are novel and shed new light on the function of a particular tool typology, such as the bifacial cleaver used to scrape hides. Furthermore, the lithic assemblage exhibited peculiarities, such as the single functionality of the tools and their brief use, which could be correlated with communal funerary functions performed within the hut.

Use-wear and Technological Analysis of the Knapped Lithic Assemblage from the Early Bronze Age Hut of Calicantone (Sicily, Italy)

Paolo Sferrazza;Pietro Militello
2024-01-01

Abstract

The archaeological site of Calicantone (Sicily, Italy) is known since the 1970s for its necropolis. In 2012, after a survey, archaeologists found close to the necropolis a bi-apsidal hut. The use-wear and technological analysis of the knapped lithic assemblage revealed the presence of artefacts crafted by specialists with advanced technical skills alongside expedient flake tool production. Some technological solutions, such as an obliquely-hafted long pressure-lever blade used as a sickle, are unprecedented for Sicily but find earlier comparisons in the east and north-west Mediterranean. This fact raises questions about the neolithisation in Sicily. Other solutions are novel and shed new light on the function of a particular tool typology, such as the bifacial cleaver used to scrape hides. Furthermore, the lithic assemblage exhibited peculiarities, such as the single functionality of the tools and their brief use, which could be correlated with communal funerary functions performed within the hut.
2024
Use-wear
lithic technology
Early Bronze Age
lever pressure
long blade
Calicantone
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11769/615870
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 0
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 0
social impact