The lithic rings of Honingklip, Goergap, Olieboomspoort and Windsorton: A functional interpretation based on microscopy

The place of lithic rings (edged discs or stone arm rings) within the context of the Later Stone Age of South Africa is poorly understood. Previous interpretations are unsatisfactory and/or problematic and more recent interpretations almost all include the possibility of ritual use. A recent study, where microscopy (microscopic use-wear and residue analysis) was employed to interpret the function of lithic rings demonstrated the possible dual use of these artefacts. Rings and ring fragments from four different sites north of the Vaal River were analysed using both low-power and high-power microscopy. This paper discusses the results obtained from these analyses and illustrates how objects of material culture can function on various levels within prehistoric societies.