The Use of Microtomography for Studying Composite Slotted Tools

Recent advances in the use of computed microtomography (micro-CT) in archaeology have significantly improved the potential for the accurate non-destructive study of artifacts, making it possible to analyze their internal structure. The paper demonstrates the micro-CT method potential for the study of archaeological artifacts. Four composite slotted tools from the Kazachka site (Krasnoyarsk Krai), dated to between 11 and 8,5 ka BP, were selected to illustrate the method’s capabilities. The site, situated in the valley of the Kan River, contains a sequence of 20 layers ranging from the Final Paleolithic through the Early Iron Age. The study involved the analysis by micro-CT of two bone hafts with preserved inserts from layers XIV and XII, and two bone hafts devoid of inserts from layers XIX and XI. The employment of micro-CT facilitated the visualisation of artifacts and the analysis of slots geometry, thereby facilitating insights into their manufacturing sequences and characteristics. The segmentation process (i.e., the virtual separation of constituent parts of different densities) allowed for the extraction and detailed analysis of the inserts from the bone handles. The discrepancy between the slot depth and the insert width suggests the use of adhesives to secure the inserts and fill the voids — a hallmark of Late Paleolithic-Mesolithic composite technologies. This study highlights the significant potential of micro-CT in examining composite artifacts without the risk of damage, offering a novel approach to analyzing complex multi-component tools.