Integrating phytoliths within use-wear/residue studies of stone tools

Analyses of phytolith assemblages extracted from residues on obsidian artefacts and from the surrounding soil matrix of two sites in Papua New Guinea address two important methodological issues. First, multivariate analysis of phytolith assemblages extracted from the edges of stone artefacts, from soil directly in contact with the artefact, and from soil derived from the same archaeological context demonstrates the integrity of phytolith residues. Second, reconstructions of tool use based on the analysis of phytoliths are compared with results from an independent use-wear/residue study. The interpretation of phytolith assemblage variability enhances and strengthens the use-wear/residue results. Finally, integrating the phytolith data within the broader use-wear/residue study produces significant new findings about changes in obsidian tool-use in prehistoric Papua New Guinea.