Some behavioural aspects of the Bomo-Teleng stone adze workshop site in East Java (Indonesia)

Abstract

This study is directed to recover some behavioural aspects of a prehistoric stone adze workshop site, the Bomo-Teleng, in East Java, Indonesia. In doing so, geomorphological reconnais­ sance and systematic archaeological survey were conducted on the site. Abundant archaeological material was discovered and its patterned distribution was recorded during the fieldwork. The sequence of activities involved in stone adze production was reconstructed based on analysis of raw materials, blanks, preforms, and stone debitage collected from the site or recorded in situ. Spatial analysis considering transformational processes conducted on the site reveals its spatial organisation. It is apparent that the whole complex of stages involved in stone adze manufacture, from raw material acquisition to finishing, took place on the site. However, distinct activity areas could be recognised within it. The upper part of the site, where the likely raw material source was encountered, seems to be used mainly for raw material acquisition and blank preparation areas, whereas the lover part was used more for the final manufacturing of preforms into ready-to-use polished stone adzes. Finally, a comparative study of five stone adze workshop sites in the Pacific region was undertaken. This study demonstrates the differences and similarities in spatial organisation, raw material acquisition, manufacturing processes, and variability of stone adze types between the site. Show more