Possible bone threshing tools from the Neolithic levels of the Grotta dei Piccioni (Abruzzo, Italy)

The Grotta dei Piccioni (Pescara, Italy) has yielded two cow ribs from Ripoli Culture levels (4770±110 bp ), showing on the caudal edge a large notch associated with a marked sickle gloss, developed on the lateral aspect. Scanning electron microscope analysis of sediment from the spongy bone of the notch of one rib shows different plant residues i.e. phytoliths, fragments of sclerenchyma, an epidermal fragment with two stomata. The use of experimental ribs in different harvesting activities shows that the action of theshing produces a wear pattern similar to that which is observed on archaeological specimens. This use also traps a large number of plant residues in the spongy bone near the notch. The possible use of the Piccioni ribs as threshing tools is discussed in the light of comparisons with other contemporary bone tools probably involved in harvesting techniques.