In stone artefact studies, researchers often rely on qualitative classifications to describe flake scar arrangements on cores. While this approach provides a broad overview of core reduction patterns, its application can be ambiguous due to the three-dimensional complexities of core geometry and the subjective nature of qualitative classifications, making it challenging to objectively compare flake scar patterning across different analytical settings. In this study, we present a new approach to quantify one aspect of flake scar arrangement on cores: the three-dimensional orientation of core scar negatives. Using standardised digital and experimentally flintknapped cores, we demonstrate that statistical techniques from fabric analysis can quantitatively characterise the scar orientation profile of cores. Importantly, this method is able to reveal variations in the flake scar arrangements of informal cores, such as multiplatform cores. When applied to a sample of multiplatform cores from the type-site of Liang Bua in Indonesia, we identify differences in flake scar orientation between cores made by and those manufactured by modern humans who utilised the site after the disappearance of the extinct hominin. This finding suggests a possible divergence in stone knapping practices between the two hominin taxa at Liang Bua. Overall, our research provides a new quantitative approach to gain new insights into hominin technological behaviour through stone artefact analysis. It also highlights the potential of 3D analysis for advancing the field of archaeological lithic research.

中文翻译：

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一种利用取向统计量化核心片状疤痕组织的新方法


在石材文物研究中，研究人员经常依靠定性分类来描述核心上的片状疤痕排列。虽然这种方法提供了岩心还原模式的广泛概述，但由于岩心几何形状的三维复杂性和定性分类的主观性质，其应用可能不明确，使得客观比较不同分析设置中的片状疤痕图案变得具有挑战性。在这项研究中，我们提出了一种新方法来量化核心上片状疤痕排列的一个方面：核心疤痕底片的三维方向。使用标准化的数字和实验燧石核心，我们证明了织物分析的统计技术可以定量表征核心的疤痕方向轮廓。重要的是，这种方法能够揭示非正式核心（例如多平台核心）的片状疤痕排列的变化。当应用于来自印度尼西亚梁布亚（Liang Bua）类型遗址的多平台核心样本时，我们发现了由灭绝的古人类消失后利用该地点的现代人类制造的核心和由现代人类制造的核心之间的片状疤痕方向的差异。这一发现表明，梁布阿的两个古人类类群之间的敲石习惯可能存在差异。总的来说，我们的研究提供了一种新的定量方法，可以通过石制品分析获得对古人类技术行为的新见解。它还强调了 3D 分析在推进考古石器研究领域的潜力。