An article titled “Notched implements made of scapulae (Bruszczewo-type tools) – a problem solved? Discovering cereal- and legume-threshing techniques in Early Bronze Age Europe through traceological analysis and residue studies” has been published in the prestigious journal PLoS One. The paper presents the results of studies on the function of specific bone tools made from animal scapulae discovered in an Early Bronze Age fortified settlement in Bruszczewo (Greater Poland). Tools of this type are known from numerous European sites, and the discussion regarding their probable use has been ongoing for over 100 years.
The research detailed in the article includes traceological analyses of these tools, studies of residues found on their surfaces, and experimental archaeology. The results suggest that these tools were used for threshing (a method of separating grains) and applied to cereals and legumes. The research was conducted with international cooperation, including specialists from the DANTE – Diet and Ancient Technology Laboratory at the Sapienza University of Rome and BIAX Biological Archaeology & Environmental Reconstruction, Zaandam, The Netherlands.
The article can be downloaded for free using the link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.03087