A Techno-Functional and Sociocultural Analysis of Querns and Handstones in the Neolithic

The history of humankind has been shaped by the development of tools and technology, with tool use playing a critical role in human adaptation and survival. The Neolithic period marked a fundamental shift from foraging to agriculture and sedentism, during which grinding tools such as querns (galpan) and handstones (galdol) emerged as key implements for processing plant-based resources. These tools not only facilitated daily subsistence activities but also offer vital insights into Neolithic technology, dietary practices, and social organization. In Korea, various types of querns and handstones have been excavated from Neolithic sites, yet prior studies have primarily focused on typology and excavation data, lacking comprehensive analyses of manufacturing techniques, functional variability, and socio-cultural implications. This study aims to bridge these gaps by analyzing the manufacturing processes and use-wear traces of Neolithic grinding tools. Through a combination of experimental archaeology and ethnographic comparisons, this research r econstructs t ool u se b ehaviors a nd examines h ow f actors s uch as material properties, user posture, duration of use, and grinding techniques influence patterns of wear and surface modification. The results demonstrate that grinding tools reflect not only functional use but also broader aspects of labor division, technological knowledge, resource management, and symbolic practices. Additionally, considering the full life cycle of these tools—from production to use and disposal—reveals their embedded meanings within Neolithic communities. This study emphasizes the value of grinding tools as integrated cultural artifacts that embody both the practical and symbolic dimensions of Neolithic life, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of prehistoric societies and proposing new directions for future research.