A closer look at Malaita's lithics. Preliminary results of a functional study of the lithic tools from Apunirereha and Ria, Solomon Islands

Abstract

This paper presents the preliminary results of a functional analysis performed on the lithic assemblages of two archaeological sites from the Solomon Islands: the knapping workshop site of “Apunirereha” and the burial –living site “Ria rock shelter” (Malaita, Solomon Islands). The functional study included the analysis of wear traces and residues on a sample of lithic artefacts. All selected lithic artefacts were examined macro- and microscopically, adjusting the methodology according to the preservation state of individual artefacts and restricting the analysis to examination under low magnification in the case of extensive post-depositional alterations. The preliminary results obtained confirmed the presence of used and hafted artefacts and will contribute to a better understanding of the function of these tools from both sites.