Dr. Ana Tetruashvili

DAAD-Stipendiatin

 

 

My research focuses on prehistoric agriculture and the typological, functional, and experimental study of stone artifacts.

Within the framework of the Rustaveli–DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship (June–November 2025), I conducted a typological and functional study of the stone materials from the Eschlipp–Ebermannstadt archaeological site, preserved in the archaeological archive of the Institute of Prehistory at the University of Erlangen–Nuremberg.

Approximately 5,000 stone artifacts were examined. According to typological classification, the assemblage consisted of natural stones, cores, debris, flakes, blades, and microblades. Both unretouched and retouched items were identified, and a range of tools—such as scrapers and points—was determined.

Functional analysis was subsequently performed using Dino-Lite digital and Olympus metallographic microscopes, allowing the materials to be categorized as trace-bearing or non-trace-bearing. Under an Olympus microscope at 100–200× magnification, traces of use such as smoothing, gloss, and linear markings were observed. Based on these use-wear traces, the functions of several tools—including scrapers, points, and saws—were determined.

Preliminary results suggest that the site represents a manufacturing/workshop center where stone tools were produced locally. Typological and functional analyses further indicate that leather processing was the primary activity.