Direct dating of plant residues from stone tools

What is it about?

In this study we examine the possibility to date stone tools directly by their residues. We set up an experiment using modern fabricated stone tools and ancient organic plant material to create residues. These residues were extracted and then radiocarbon dated. Significant is that with only 10.5 microgram wooden residue we achieved matching dates with the original ancient wood. Contamination could be avoided in the lab, but must be looked at in the real archaeological work.

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Why is it important?

Looking into this direct dating option is important, because firstly stone tools may be dated independently from a stratigraphy or associated organic material and secondly it could also give a more accurate date of the time when the tool was used. This also means that in the future stone tools with sufficient residues from open sites may be dated.