ABSTRACT

The distinctive “saddle-shape” stone knives known as Tembeling knives of West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia) have long been used to characterize the early agricultural activities of Neolithic populations in the region. While these tools are morphologically suggestive of a reaping function, their association with early plant use has never been established. The present study explores for the first time the function of Tembeling knives through a preliminary experimental study focusing on technological attributes and usewear profiles. The results indicate continuity in lithic technological processes between Neolithic populations and their foraging predecessors. The experimental work suggests an efficient reaping function for the tool. Additionally, usewear patterns on archaeological examples correspond most closely to the profiles found for siliceous plant-working tools replicated in the experiment.

摘要

独特的“马鞍形”石刀被称为西马来西亚（马来西亚半岛）的 Tembeling 刀，长期以来一直用于表征该地区新石器时代人群的早期农业活动。虽然这些工具在形态上暗示了一种收获功能，但它们与早期植物使用的关联从未确定。本研究首次通过侧重于技术属性和使用磨损特性的初步实验研究探索了 Tembeling 刀具的功能。结果表明新石器时代人群与其觅食前辈之间的石器时代技术过程具有连续性。实验工作表明该工具具有有效的收割功能。此外，