Sealed in stone: application of the use-wear analysis on stone assemblages from prehistoric site of Mutzig, France.

Traceology is the study of microwear patterns and residues on ancient stone and bone tools. The method refers to the examination, with the aid of microscope, of the traces left by use and handling on the edges and surfaces of these tools. Over the years, use-wear analysts have invested significant efforts in developing their method based on analogical reasoning: experimental stone tools are manufactured and used in different activities and the resulting wear traces are then compared to archaeological pieces. The stone pieces made of different raw materials (e.g. flint, phtanit, radiolarite) from Palaeolithic site of Mutzig in France, associated with Neanderthal occupations will be the focus of the use-wear analysis.