Using Radiocarbon Dates and Tool Design Principles to Assess the Role of Composite Slotted Bone Tool Technology at the Intersection of Adaptation and Culture-History

Abstract Slotted bone tools are an iconic example of composite tool technology in which change one the components does not require changing design other parts. Commonly, slotted seen through lens lithic technology, highlighting organizational aspects related to serial production insets, reliability and maintainability. In this framework, is associated with risk aversion demanding environmental settings. Here, we provide first overview radiocarbon-dated northernmost Europe East European Plain, including 17 new direct dates on pitch glue, show that Late Pleistocene Middle Holocene period inset use area shows marked variation idiosyncrasy against a trend continuously warming climate. We suggest historical specificity path-dependence, rather than convergent evolution, best explain variability studied case, general formed organizationally flexible, adaptable hence likely adaptive technological solution met wide variety cultural demands.