L’INDUSTRIA DEI TAGLIENTI DI MONTE S. VITTORIA (NEONELI, SARDEGNA)

Abstract

During the analyses of the lithic industry found at the site of St. Victoria, located within the natural oasis of Assa, in the territory of Neoneli (Or), authors have been examined so far 357 instruments and 51 arrowheads. The latter, more fragmented and therefore not reusable, studied both from a functional and experimental point of view, have revealed traces of diagnostic impact. Except for leaf-shaped manufacts, the remaining specimens are characterized by the absence of retouch in the classic sense of the word. This complex material is therefore characterized by rapid and opportunistic production of manufacts with sharp edges (chips), not revived later with minute detachment (retouching). The function of these artefacts, which were analyzed by dimensions and cutting angles, may have been for butchering game. On this basis, in this work, the factors which led to excluding other possible uses for them are examinated. The geographical location of the settlement, situated in dominant position, together with the data generated during the above-mentioned analysis, let us to consider this site as a place where, in addition to observe the game and its movements, butchering subsequent to hunting was made.