Analysing Tool Efficiency: Use-Wear Patterns on Phthanite from Ottignies in Woodworking Activities

This study aims to document and compare trace formation and residue deposition on phtanite through an exploratory experimental investigation. The research focuses on phthanite from Ottignies, Belgium, a siliceous sedimentary rock also known as "black radiolarian cherts" or "lydite," primarily composed of microcrystalline quartz (Michel and Fairbridge 1992; Herbosch 2023). Phthanite from the Ottignies-Mousty region has been extensively used in prehistoric lithic industries, dating from the Middle Paleolithic through the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods. Building upon a previous preliminary use-wear analysis of the lithic assemblage from Meeuwen-Monnikswijer, dated to the Late Mesolithic (Van Gils et al., 2015), this experimental study aims to provide valuable insights into the wear patterns (traces and residues) of phthanite while comparing its efficiency to flint from Haubourdin. The experimental program focuses on woodworking activities, assessing the performance and durability of phthanite tools in comparison to flint tools.