Techno-Morphological and Spatial Distribution of Stone Artifacts in the Bumiayu, Brebes-Central Java

Enrico1,2*, Cecep Eka Permana2, Adhi Agus Oktaviana1, Sofwan Noerwidi1

Bumiayu is an important area with regards to Palaeolithic research in Java. The discovery of stone artifacts with lithological characteristics and colours identical to the matrix layer attached to the stone artifacts, and a hominin caput femoralis, which are at least 1.8-1.7 million years old makes this region important for further research. However, most of stone artifacts were discovered in riverbeds without clear provenance or context. The purpose of this study is to describe the spatial distribution of 150 stone artifacts derived from 8 localities in Bumiayu, Java and their techno-morphological characteristics. The methods used include systematic surface surveys, recording and mapping of the geographical positions of the findings using the Global Positioning system (GPS). In addition, the stone artifacts found during the survey were analyzed macroscopically to observe their attributes or characteristics, such as the raw material used, flaking techniques, number of scars, type of flaking, degree of rounding, and patination thickness. Investigation of morphological analysis was also conducted using Artifact 3D software to obtain precise measurement data that can be used to identify the characteristics of Bumiayu stone artifacts. The results of this study indicate that all artifacts were located within secondary depositional layers (alluvial). The findings obtained exhibit Palaeolithic characteristics dominated by large-sized artifacts, namely large cutting tools, scrapers, flakes, and chopping tools.