The use of ash at Late Lower Paleolithic Qesem Cave, Israel—An integrated study of use-wear and residue analysis
Employing an integrated approach to investigate the use of Late Lower Paleolithic flint tools
found at the site of Qesem Cave (Israel), we revealed a particular trace pattern related to
the employment of ashes at the site. Using a designated collection of replica items and combining
use-wear and residue (morphological analysis, FTIR, SEM-EDX) analyses, we
revealed the intentional use of ashes in preserving foods for delayed consumption as well
as hide for delayed processing. Our interpretation, we believe is the most plausible one