Preliminary Technological and Functional Studies of the Neolithic Stone Reaping Knives from West Malaysia: An Experimental Approach

Abstract

The distinctive “saddle-shape” stone knives known as Tembeling knives of West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia) have long been used to characterize the early agricultural activities of Neolithic populations in the region. While these tools are morphologically suggestive of a reaping function, their association with early plant use has never been established. The present study explores for the first time the function of Tembeling knives through a preliminary experimental study focusing on technological attributes and usewear profiles. The results indicate continuity in lithic technological processes between Neolithic populations and their foraging predecessors. The experimental work suggests an efficient reaping function for the tool. Additionally, usewear patterns on archaeological examples correspond most closely to the profiles found for siliceous plant-working tools replicated in the experiment.