Breaking it down: Ethnographic studies on the manufacture of basalt grinding stones in India

Sutonuka Bhattacharya*, Prachi Joshi, Kumar Akhilesh, Naama Goren-Inbar, Gideon Shelach-Lavi, Shanti Pappu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this study, we utilize the chaîne opératoire approach to examine the complex process of traditional manufacturing of basalt grinding stones in India. We examine decision-making processes related to knapping strategies beginning with the sourcing of basalt, the quarrying of appropriate blocks, and varied stages of knapping using indirect percussion with specialized iron chisels and hammers. We document the nature of waste products and the morphology of the grinding stone at various stages during this process. We compare this with ethnographic and archaeological data from Neolithic-Chalcolithic archaeological sites in India and globally where basalt grinding stones are noted, discussing variability like the lithic assemblages generated.

Original languageEnglish
Article number104988
JournalJournal of Archaeological Science: Reports
Volume62
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 Elsevier Ltd

Keywords

  • Basalt
  • Chaîne opératoire
  • Ethnoarchaeology
  • Grinding stones
  • India

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Breaking it down: Ethnographic studies on the manufacture of basalt grinding stones in India'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this