Abstract:

Tektites are frequently discovered in prehistoric sites in Guangxi, yet research on the associated artifacts remains limited. This study conducts an in-depth archaeological analysis of the tektite artifacts unearthed at the Yahuai Cave site in Guangxi, exploring their role and significance in the lives of ancient humans. These tektite specimens originate from the Australasian strewn field and exhibit identical provenance to those tektites recovered from sedimentary strata within Baise Basin, Guangxi. Their formation correlates with the Australasian tektite event, dating to approximately 700,000~800,000 years before present. A comprehensive approach we employed that includes methods such as technological analysis, statistical analysis, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXRF) analysis,and use-wear analysis to investigate the physical and chemical characteristics, flaking strategies, retouch logic, post-depositional modification, and usage conditions of the tektite assemblages.

The results of EDXRF analysis demenstrate that the tektites from the Yahuai Cave site are chemically consistent with those from surrounding areas. Regarding to the tool manufacturing, two flaking strategies were employed: the bipolar knapping and the "strike-rotate" knapping. Additionally, comprehensive and meticulous or localized retouched methods were adopted based on actual needs, demonstrating a profound understanding and adaptation to the material properties. It also reveals the optimization and improvement in stone tool manufacturing by ancient people. The evaluation of post-depositional modification indicates that the tektites experienced a certain degree of wear during the post-depositional process, but it did not significantly affect the use-wear traces of their surfaces.

The analysis of usage logic suggests that the use of tektites at the Yahuai Cave site was primarily related to the development and exploitation of animal resources, possibly closely associated with hunting and butchering activities. These findings not only provide new insights into the trend of miniaturization of stone artifacts in southern regions but also offer valuable information for understanding how ancient humans adapted to environmental changes, utilized resources, and the evolution of social structures.

Overall, this article discusses the uniqueness of these tektites and their prevalence in the Yahuai Cave site, highlighting their important role in ancient toolkits. The results suggests that the utilization of tektites reflects the ability of ancient humans to adapt to their environment and make economic strategy choices. Furthermore, it provides a new perspective and evidence for exploring both the trend of stone artifacts miniaturization in southern China and the dispersal routes of modern humans.

Key words: tektite artifacts, use-wear analysis, Yahuai Cave site, stone tools