Multi-thematic studies on asymmetrically bifacially backed knives from the Late Middle Paleolithic. Research on equifinality and permutation on Keilmesser with tranchet blow using technological, research historical and experimental approaches.

• Applicant: Dr. Jens Axel Frick
• Subject Area: Prehistory and World Archaeology
• Term: from 2017 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 391474859

This project examines stone artifacts, which are eponymous for the Keilmessergruppen of the Late Middle Paleolithic, the Keilmesser (asymetrically bifacially backed knives).The focus is on Keilmesser with tranchet-blow modification, which are analyzed using a multi-thematic approach for their immanent technological features. This project discusses litho-technological and chrono-spatial questions via the reappraisal of assemblages, a research historical reflection, archeological experiments and supra-regional comparison.Based on technological data from case studies and supra-regional correlation archeological experiments are conducted. These examine the correlation of matrix and tool confection, equifinality (numerous matrices can be used to produce the same product) and permutation of production stages (interchangeability of working stages), as well as the influence of shape on handling.The correlation of the experiments with the case-study assemblages allows to deductively expand the systematic and classification of lithic shaping concepts and to complement it with the multi-perspectively tested concept - Keilmesser with tranchet blow.Technological features are extracted in personnel, which are experimentally tested and underpinned. The relevance of this research project is substantiated in the fact that the examined Keilmesser with tranchet blow was used by Bosinski and Jöris for the formulation of the Pradnikhorizont, but supra-regional, technological comparisons of these stone artifacts are mostly missing. Therefore, the aim is, based on regional phenomena from Western and Central European assemblages, to conduct a supra-regional reflection on specific aspects of lithic technology from the Late Middle Paleolithic, which not only archeologically values the assemblages but also contributes to the substantiation of lithic systematics.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigators: Dr. Berrin Cep; Professor Dr. Harald Floss