The Function of Volcanic Stone Tools from Bed II at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania: A Case Study From the FC East and FC West Sites

This study presents the first micro-wear analysis of stone tools made from volcanic rocks from the Olduvai Bed II FC East (FCE) and FC West (FCW) sites at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, dated to approximately 1.6–1.5 Ma. These sites form part of a key stratigraphic interval documenting major technological and biological transitions during the early Pleistocene. The analysed sample comprises 46 well-preserved artefacts selected from a larger assemblage of volcanic rocks. The methodological approach adopted in this study relied primarily on scanning electron microscope (SEM). Despite the age of the assemblage and the challenges posed by raw material variability, micro-wear was identified on several pieces, providing direct evidence of tool use. The distribution and morphology of traces indicate that most tools were employed in longitudinal motions and cutting actions, likely associated with butchery. A smaller subset of artefacts exhibits wear patterns consistent with scraping of medium-to-hard contact materials.