Is there a Link between Stone Polishing and “Complex Gathering” in the Palaeolithic? (based on the Materials of the Kostenki-Borshevo Sites)

Abstract

Spectacular finds at some of the Gravettian sites of the Kostenki-Borshevo region on the Don River served for the reconstruction of the economic and technological characteristics of the Middle Upper Paleolithic. The materials of these sites contain large polished stone artifacts, but till recently the technology of their manufacture has not been studied in the context of the whole industry. Quartzite slabs with wear traces indicative of their use as grinders traditionally, following A. N. Rogachev, were considered as tools for processing plant resources obtained in the course of gathering. In addition, many of the salbs in question bear residues of ocher-based colorants. The article discusses the connection between the technological chains associated with the production of polished stone pieces and ocher-based colorants and their relationship with the concept of “complex gathering” proposed by A. N. Rogachev. It is shown that stone polishing was not a sporadic activity, but represented rather a well-developed technological know-how common for the Gravettian sites of Kostenki. Quartzite slabs were used both in grinding and in the production of colorants. Without denying the possibility of using such slabs for processing plant products, we have to stree that such a function definitely was not the only one.