A study on prehistoric lithic-tools assemblages found in the vicinity of Batadombalena, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Kuruwita Batadombalena is a remarkable prehistoric cave-dwelling, where archeological evidence dating back 37,000 years has been found. In the years 1938, 1979-1982 and 2005, excavations were carried out to further study and extend the knowledge on prehistory. Those systematic excavations have made it possible to uncover prehistoric human remains and material remains of human activity in time and space. Lithic tools are important as a physical partial evidence to develop the technological background of prehistoric man. Present study was based on the types of lithic tools identified in Batadombalena via previous research and the lithic tool factors identified through the surface exploration of cave in 2022. Through this study, a sequence of the technology of lithic tools and microlithic tools was developed and information about new lithic tools identified by surface exploration that were not identified by previous research, discuss based on physical factors. The main research question was, is it possible to identify new tools in Batadombalena and is it possible to develop a sequence for lithic tools technology. As the research methodology, study prior research and publications, collection of samples by surface exploration method in an area fifty meters forward and on both sides from the cave and then they were analyzed. The objective was to identify materials and develop a sequence on stone tool technology. A sequence of microlithic tools made by prehistoric humans lived in Batadombalena can be identified and other stone tool factors were also found. Coarse stone may have been used in addition to the quartz.