This paper discusses the results of recent wear analysis on a series of 467 microliths excavated at the early Mesolithic (8410--7930 cal B.C.) site of Verrebroek in Belgium. Based on both macro-fractures (bending fractures and spin-offs) and traces of microscopic linear impact, a distinction could be made between non-geometric microliths used as tips and geometric microliths mainly used as barbs. During the Pre-boreal the latter occur in large numbers and in various forms (triangles, crescents) that are used in mutually exclusive ways. At the transition from the Pre-boreal to the Boreal, almost simultaneously with the disappearance of bone and antler points from the Mesolithic tool kit, there is a considerable increase in microlith tips. In this paper several possible explanations for this change are discussed.
Volume 28 Number 3--4 (Fall and Winter 2001) Table of Contents