An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c21.s15.t1.2

v1.c21.s15.t1.2

The principle of microwear is simple. It is based on the fact that if an artefact is used for any work it encounters friction resulting in microscopic damages on its functional parts. The nature and pattern of damages will depend on the factors like: composition of the artefact and worked material; mode of artefact use; its angle of fall; type of pressures on artefact during operation; body mass (edge angle etc.) under pressure, the time of operation; etc. It is therefore obvious that if these wear patterns are properly analysed they may furnish valuable information on tool-use.