Abstract: The emergence of composite slotted tools with interchangeable inserts represents a turning point in tools progress, offering enhanced flexibility and efficiency in resource utilization. These tools, which became widespread in Eastern Siberia during the Final Upper Paleolithic, represents the intricate relationship between microblade production and bone or antler bases with slotted grooves. Modern methods, like 3D scanning and computed tomography, are very flexible and informative for analyzing composite tool technologies. In this work we used this approach in order to obtain precise metric analyses of grooves and tools morphology, that in combination with experimental reconstruction, provided us insights into production key stages of slotted tools: groove cutting, insert fitting or repair. According to our reconstruction experiments slot shapes and its symmetry depend on a tool type, direction of movement, and a tool wear. With assistance of Micro-CT, we examined in detail internal and external structures of the slots and inserts. Moreover, we virtually separated the inserts from its bases and measured their dimensions and analyzed their shapes. We revealed discrepancies between the slot depths and the inset widths, indicating the use of adhesives to secure components and fill gaps. By integrating experimental and archaeological evidence, this research offers valuable insights into the technological processes that facilitated the widespread adoption and persistence of composite slotted tools in Late Pleistocene Siberia.

Cite: Bocharova E.N. , Chistyakov P.V. , Kamilʹevich Z.R.
Composite slotted technologies of Eastern Siberia in the Final Upper Paleolithic
In compilation Program and Abstracts of the 12th Asian Paleolithic Association. 2025. – C.49.

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