Abstract The study of the lithic artefacts exploited by early hominins and the manner in which they were used is a key aspect of lithic studies. Azokh Cave in the Southern Caucasus comprises a complete stratigraphic sequence of five archaeological units (Units V–I) and has yielded large Middle to early Upper Pleistocene lithic and faunal assemblages in association with hominin remains. The aim of this study was to evaluate the state of preservation of the lithic assemblages recovered from a marginal area at the rear of the cave and to test the feasibility of functionally analysing these artefacts. The study focused on a sample of archaeological pieces that at the macroscopic scale exhibit fresh surfaces and unaltered edges. These were analysed using various microscopes. The results obtained revealed that some archaeological artefacts from different units do preserve diagnostic use-wear traces. Microwear on the archaeological pieces and a comparison of that wear with experimental results enabled us to identify features related to longitudinal actions and the working of soft material, and those related to transversal actions and the working of hard material. Based on this information, we interpreted that these artefacts were used for activities related to butchery, hideworking, and at times, woodworking.

中文翻译：

---

对来自 Azokh 1 洞穴遗址（南高加索）的上更新世中期至早期岩屑组合的功能研究结果

摘要 对早期人类开发的石器制品及其使用方式的研究是石器研究的一个关键方面。南高加索的 Azokh 洞穴包含五个考古单元（单元 V-I）的完整地层序列，并产生了与古人类遗骸相关的大型中至上更新世早期岩屑和动物群。本研究的目的是评估从洞穴后部边缘区域回收的石器组合的保存状态，并测试对这些人工制品进行功能分析的可行性。该研究的重点是考古碎片样本，这些样本在宏观尺度上表现出新鲜的表面和未改变的边缘。使用各种显微镜对这些进行了分析。获得的结果表明，来自不同单位的一些考古文物确实保留了诊断性使用磨损痕迹。考古件上的微磨损以及磨损与实验结果的比较使我们能够识别与纵向作用和软材料加工相关的特征，以及与横向作用和硬材料加工相关的特征。根据这些信息，我们认为这些手工艺品被用于与屠宰、皮革加工，有时还有木工相关的活动。