This session focusses on discussing theoretical and methodological studies of functional and ritual use of ground stone artifacts, encompassing grinding stones, stone adzes, axes and chisels. From the Late Pleistocene onwards, possibly associated with the transition to sedentism there was a significant expansion in the abundance and diversity of ground stone tools with regional spatial and temporal variability. While raw material choices varied regionally, global similarities in technology and typology suggest a shared logic in their production and use. Ground stones continue to appear in both archaeological contexts and indigenous communities through time, reflecting their resilience and cultural relevance. This session explores the multifaceted role of ground stone tools by integrating insights from ethnographic studies, experimental analyses, and archaeological research. Key suggested themes could include technological and typological evolution, the symbolic and practical roles of ground stones in settlement and mobility patterns, as well as the challenges of equifinality addressed through use-wear and residue analyses. Discussion on the use of digital technologies in the analysis of surface morphologies are also encouraged. We highlight ground stone tools as vital artifacts reflecting the enduring connection between people, plants, animals and tools across diverse temporal and spatial contexts.