| Abstract: |
Contrary to prior assumptions of distinct cultural provinces, recent lithic analyses identified four cross-regional parallels between Lingnan and northern Vietnam (1. cobble-based industries; 2. similar flaking production systems; 3. analogous flake morphometrics; 4. similar retouched tool types on both flakes or cobbles), recurring in three phases from MIS3 to the mid-Holocene, suggesting intermittent cross-regional behavioral homogeneity. Nevertheless, a more systemic analysis questions their evidential value, requiring further research to validate, and some cross-regional behavioral disparities persisted, exemplified by the perforated stones or the “Sumatraliths”. The present study addresses these ambiguities by applying techno-functional analysis to lithic assemblages from the extensive chrono-stratigraphic sequence of Yahuai Cave. Four findings support behavioral homogeneity over time: 1) cobble-cores used mainly for volumetric reduction, and occasionally secondary modification into tools (i.e. cobble-core-tools); 2) cobbles with few localized flake removals on functional edges were actually cobble-tools, but generally not cores; 3) Paleolithic scraping tools evidence a culturally significant practice: the processing of hides with ochre application; 4) all sizes of unmodified flakes were used as tools and have a natural ergonomic grip. Proposed cross-stratigraphic behavioral homogeneity at Yahuai requires testing in other multi-stratified sites across Guangxi and northern Vietnam. This hypothesis questions whether potential cross-regional lithic traditions developed local particularisms, exhibiting minimal in situ typotechnological variation in stone tool assemblages, while maintaining the tooled activities technical systems. If confirmed, such a scenario may explain the previously perceived chrono-cultural divide between northern Vietnam and Lingnan, despite episodic typo-technological parallels.
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