Middle Paleolithic hafted stone tools from Starosele, Western Crimea

Microscopic use-wear and complementary residue examination of chipped stone tools document a hafting technology of wood handles or detachable foreshafts in excess of 40,000 years old. Microwear used to identify the hafted portion of these tools is based upon experimental and archaeological analogs-most notably of North American Paleoindian Folsom and experimental replicate projectile points. Haft residues include plant cells and starch grains. The former appears to be the actual handle or foreshaft material ; the latter the remains of a mastic used to glue tools to a handle or foreshaft.