FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF A LATE-PALAEOLITHIC OBSIDIAN TANGED POINT FROM WOLODZ, DISTRICT BRZOZÓW, PODKARPACIE VOIVODSHIP

A microscopic & computer examination of a late-Palaeolithic tanged point recovered from the surface layer of Site 7 at Wolodz, showed the presence of numerous irregular scratches and abrasions resulting from its exposure on site. Nevertheless it was possible to identify traces of original wear, and on that basis to determine the uses of the tool. The authors concluded that the tanged point was used to scrape hides and owing to continued use its edge gradually acquired a regular, rounded profile. The tanged point must have also served as the point of a missile, most probably an arrowhead. This is indicated by the tongue-shaped negatives disfiguring the pointed cone and its base. The use of the artifact seems to have passed through two phases. Originally employed as a hide scraper, it was lated remade into an arrowhead and some technological processing was necessary to adapt the object to its new function.