Use of Stone and Shell Artifacts at Balof 2, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea

Abstract

We examined the use-wear and residues on a sample of six obsidian, 15 fine-grained, and 21 clam-shell artifacts from Balof 2 cave, New Ireland. Only residues associated with use-wear were accepted as deriving from use. The majority of residues are of plant tissue, notably starch grains from the aroids Cyrtosperma merkusii, Alocasia macrorrhiza, and Xanthosoma sagitifolia. Some Dioscorea grains were also noted, but not Colocasia esculenta or Ipomoea hatatas. Some feather barbules were recorded. Methods of analysis and implications of the results are discussed. KEYWORDS: residues, Papua New Guinea, shell artifacts, stone artifacts.