Proceedings of the 3rd Meeting of the Association of Ground Stone Tools Research

Ground Stone Tools and Past Foodways is a collection of papers that explores the relationship between ground stone artifacts and foodways, including archaeological and ethnographic case studies from the Palaeolithic to the current era.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 06 January 2022
Publisher: Archaeopress

Ground Stone Tools and Past Foodways is a compilation of papers presented at the 3rd meeting of the Association of Ground Stone Tools Research, held at the University of Copenhagen in 2019. These remarkable artifacts, initially utilized by Paleolithic gatherer-hunters, have stood the test of time and continue to be widely employed by people across diverse regions of the world for grinding, mashing, and pulverizing plants, meat, and minerals. As such, ground stone artifacts offer a invaluable glimpse into the intricate interplay between humans, plants, and animals, serving as a well-preserved record of our interactions with the natural world.

The papers in this volume specifically explore the relationship between ground stone artifacts and foodways, encompassing archaeological and ethnographic case studies spanning from the Palaeolithic to the present day. These studies encompass a wide geographical range, from Africa to Europe and Asia, reflecting the current state of ground stone tool research and emphasizing the diverse approaches to studying foodways through holistic examinations of these artifacts.

One of the key themes explored in these papers is the evolution of ground stone tool technology and its significance in shaping food production and consumption practices. The authors examine the development of different types of ground stone tools, such as mortars, pestles, and grindstones, and their role in processing and preparing food materials. They discuss the efficiency and effectiveness of these tools in various culinary tasks, such as grinding grains, crushing herbs and spices, and preparing meat and vegetables.

Furthermore, the papers highlight the cultural and social implications of ground stone artifacts and foodways. They examine how these tools were used in different communities and societies, and how they contributed to the development of culinary traditions, social hierarchies, and cultural identities. The authors explore the ways in which ground stone artifacts were exchanged, traded, and used as symbols of power and status, and how they shaped the relationships between different groups of people.

Another important aspect of the papers is the use of ground stone artifacts in archaeological investigations. The authors discuss the techniques and methods used to identify, analyze, and interpret ground stone artifacts, including excavation, survey, and laboratory analysis. They explore the potential of ground stone artifacts to reveal information about past foodways, subsistence practices, and cultural adaptations, and how they can be integrated with other archaeological evidence to provide a more comprehensive understanding of past societies.

In conclusion, Ground Stone Tools and Past Foodways is a valuable contribution to the field of ground stone tool research and archaeology. It brings together a diverse range of perspectives and expertise, showcasing the many ways in which ground stone artifacts and foodways can be studied and understood. The papers in this volume provide a comprehensive examination of the relationship between these two important aspects of human history and culture, and offer insights into the complex and multifaceted ways in which humans have interacted with the natural world over time.

Weight: 916g
Dimension: 203 x 276 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789694789