Elsevier, Quaternary International, (427), p. 158-174, 2017
DOI: 10.1016/j.quaint.2015.12.064
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This paper reports the results of the functional study of the polished adzes and axes found at the Neolithic site of “Bòbila Madurell-Can Gambús-1-2” (Catalonia, Northeast of the Iberian Peninsula). Use-wear methodology was adapted to achieve this objective through an Experimental Programme and the identification of wear patterns corresponding to different possible economic activities hypothesized after reviewing the ethnographic data. The main aim of this research is to provide a better understanding of the productive processes carried out using stone axes and adzes, the differential raw material management, and the social distribution of those tasks and goods among the site population. Given that the site includes an extensive funerary record, the regularities and singularities of the tools as a part of the grave goods associations will also be investigated and explained. ; The authors would like to thank the members of the IMF-CSIC Laboratory of Prehistoric Technology-LitoCAT (Barcelona) for their constant help, support and infrastructural facilities. This research has been conducted within the framework of the project “Aproximación a las primeras comunidades neolíticas del NE peninsular a través de sus prácticas funerarias” (HAR2011-23149)” supported by the Ministerio de Ciéncia e Innovación and AGREST (2009 SGR 734) supported by the Generalitat de Catalunya. The authors also want to thank the following projects: “Origins and spread of agriculture in the south-western Mediterranean region” (funded by the European Research Council), “Elementos estructurales y áreas de producción y consumo de bienes (HAR2012-38838-C02-01)” (funded by Ministerio the Economía y Competitividad), “Arquitectura en madera y áreas de procesado y consumo de alimentos (HAR2012-38838-C02-02)” (funded by the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad) and “La Draga en el procés de neolitització del Nordest peninsular; 2014–2017” (funded by the Generalitat de Catalunya). The authors are also grateful to the institutions and personnel of the Museu d'Història de Sabadell, the Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya, the Centre d'Estudis del Patrimoni Arqueològic de la Prehistòria (CEPAP-UAB) and the archaeology firm Arrago S.L., for granting permission and facilities to study the samples. Finally, this research has been carried out thanks to the Generalitat de Catalunya PhD fellowship FI-DGR and the support of the members of the History and Art History Department of the University of Girona, to whom we are especially grateful. ; Peer reviewed