More than storage: A functional analysis of the lithic industry associated with the C008 cave complex at Bentayga, Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain)

Abstract

Although volcanic rocks are commonly found in many assemblages, functional or use-wear studies focusing on these materials are still relatively limited. This study presents a case from the Canary Islands, an archipelago of volcanic origin characterized by the presence of rocks such as basalt and obsidian, and the absence of metal resources. We report the results of functional analyses conducted on stone tools recovered from a site within the Bentayga archaeological complex, dated to the 10th–13th centuries CE. Whitin this big site, a caves complex (C008) initially used as a granary and later repurposed as a burial space, offers exceptional preservation conditions, including desiccated plant remains and soft animal tissues. Our analyses reveal that the stone tools were employed in processing plant materials, working leather, and modifying the cave structure. Notably, a basalt implement bearing use-wear traces consistent with cereal harvesting represents the earliest direct evidence for this activity in the archaeological record of the Canary Islands. The findings suggest that stone tools were actively used during both phases of the site's occupation: first for agricultural and construction tasks during its use as a granary, and subsequently for preparing the space and remains during its reuse as a burial site.