Caratterizzazione superficiale di manufatti litici preistorici mediante microscopia elettronica a scansione. Il caso delle selci della collezione Lioy provenienti dalla Grotta della Mura

Surface analysis of prehistoric lithic tools by scanning electron microscopy. The case of the flints of the Lioy Collection coming from the cave “della Mura” (Colli Berici) - The authenticity of three prehistoric lithic tools coming from the lower deposit of the cave “della Mura” (Colli Berici, Veneto, Italy) has been investigated. The objects were described by Paolo Lioy in 1876 and now belong to the private Lioy Collection. They are three points obtained from flint flakes (grey flint belonging to the Biancone formation) coming from the Lessini Mountains. Their morphology, in particular the butts and the proximal parts, raised some doubts about their authenticity. The instrumental analysis by SEM-EDS of the butts evidenced the localized presence of abnormal iron concentration around the impact points. This support the hypothesis that they are false objects, produced in the 19th century and than introduced in the deposit.