Afskæringsmærker

Afskæringsmærker are distinctive marks or notches found on certain archaeological artifacts, particularly those made of bone or antler. These marks are typically created by a sharp tool, such as a flint knife or scraper, and suggest a deliberate process of modification or preparation of the material. The term "afskæringsmærker" is Danish and translates to "cutting marks."

These marks can provide valuable insights into prehistoric technologies and practices. Their presence indicates that bone or antler was being worked, likely for the production of tools, weapons, or other implements. The angle, depth, and spacing of the afskæringsmærker can sometimes reveal the type of tool used, the skill of the craftsperson, and the direction of the cutting action.

Analysis of afskæringsmærker is a key aspect of archaeozoology and lithic analysis. Researchers examine these microscopic features under magnification to understand how ancient societies utilized animal resources. The patterns left behind are essentially a signature of the technology employed, helping archaeologists to reconstruct the chaîne opératoire, or the sequence of actions involved in creating an artifact. In some cases, the study of afskæringsmærker can also help to differentiate between marks made by human tools and those resulting from natural processes like animal gnawing or weathering.