The use of sequential experiments and SEM in documenting stone tool microwear

This paper focuses on a methodological proposal for documenting and describing the wear processes on lithic artefacts based on two main aspects: sequential experiments and systematic SEM (scanning electron microscope) analysis. The procedures followed during experimentation, sample preparation and microscopic observation are presented, and a selection of our experimental results is described in detail and discussed. We argue that sequential experiments allow stone tool wear to be closely monitored during use, and that this information is crucial in understanding microwear formation processes as well as in interpreting the traces observed on archaeological materials.