2025/10/03 by Sutonuka Bhattacharya, Prachi Joshi, P. M. Joshi +2 · 1 voice
Computer Science · Engineering · Social Sciences · #Image Processing and 3D Reconstruction #Metallurgy and Cultural Artifacts #Tunneling and Rock Mechanics
paper · doi:10.1080/01977261.2025.2562261
openalex publication_date 2025/10/03 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25
We present a study of contemporary traditional granite grinding stone manufacturing processes based on ethnographic studies in South India. We discuss the reduction sequence of upper and lower stones from quarrying the initial blocks to achieving the final morphology of the utensils. After selecting suitable granite blocks, three key reduction stages were identified: rough-out creation, dressing, and final shaping with pecking and smoothing. We analyze the resultant waste products and morphologies of the grinding stones arising during various stages of the reduction sequence, investigating the decision-making strategies of the craftsman. These findings provide analogies for interpreting grinding stone contexts in early farming sites, highlighting the influence of raw material selection, quarry access, and economic needs on crafting. We also compare the lithics from granite manufacturing strategies with those from our basalt grinding stone production case studies, investigating the influences of raw material and decision-making strategies on variability in tool morphologies and waste products.