Tattooing in the Age of Stone: The Experience of Studying the Tools of the Final Paleolithic Site of Ushki V (Kamchatka)

The components of the archaeological material in Stone Age cultures associated with various body modification practices have recently been identified. These include tattoos, which play an important social role in the cultures of archaic peoples. Some evidence of older tattooing practices is of scientific interest, since they are genetically related to early forms of iconic human behavior. The main focus of the questions in the proposed article is concentrated on the signs of the probable use of stone tools found in the cultural layer of the Final Paleolithic at the Ushki V Site (Kamchatka peninsula). Based on microscopic examination, spectral experimental use-wear analysis, a version of the use of the collection items as probable tools suitable for tattooing is proposed. In particular, the main markers characteristic of such tools are highlighted (the presence of paint, characteristic wear for cutting and piercing tools, kinematics and fixed depth of working penetration of tools). The authors declare no conflict of interests.

Keywords

Authors

References