Digital imaging technology and experimental archeology: a methodological framework for the identification and interpretation of fire modified rock (FMR)

• Published in: Journal of archaeological science 2013-12, Vol.40 (12), p.4429-4443
• Main Author: Oestmo, Simen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Africa; African Middle Stone Age; Analysis of archaeological features; Digital imaging technology; Experimental archeology; Fire modified rock; Hearths; Methodology and general studies; Palaeolithic and epipalaeolithic; Prehistory and protohistory; Southern and East Africa
• ISSN: 0305-4403; 1095-9238
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2013.07.011

This paper presents the results of a series of experiments for the identification and analysis of fire modified rock (FMR). FMR is a common but frequently overlooked artifact type. Experiments were conducted simulating the effects of different hypothetical burning scenarios on rocks similar to those found in a South African Middle Stone Age site. A digital imaging method was then used to quantify FMR color values, designed to limit intra-analyst bias. Statistical tests and a blind test suggest that unburned rocks and experimental FMR can be separated statistically based on physical appearance. Two burning scenario models, based on measured experimental data were applied to archaeological FMR from a South African Middle Stone Age site named Pinnacle Point 5-6 (PP5-6) and show that the archaeological samples are not statistically different from a simulated campfire and possibly a lithic raw material heat-treatment fire. •I present a framework for interpretation of fire modified rock (FMR).•Study focuses on quantifying color change in FMR using a digital imaging method.•The digital imaging method used is designed to limit intra-analyst bias.•Unburned samples and experimental FMR have statistically different color values.•FMR from Middle Stone Age site is statistically similar to simulated camp fire.