EXAMINING RESIDUE MORPHOLOGY OF THE MICROPERFORATED CUT SHELL BEADS FROM ILLE SITE, EL NIDO PALAWAN Basilia, Pauline A. Archaeological Studies Program, University of the Philippines Abstract - In order to understand the development of manufacturing traditions of the Philippine Metal Age, the residues of Microperforated Cut Shell Beads (MCSB) recovered from Ille Site, El Nido, Palawan are examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to determine their morphology and possible components. Four MSCB were purposely selected for analysis with each representing unique residue types, namely, black, yellow, red and high-fibre residue. Results suggest the appliqués included plant fibres and were applied as a viscous material and let dried. The high-fibre residue was created differently and required several coatings suggesting a multi-level activity of a high developed manufacturing tradition. Keywords – residue analysis, archaeology, beads, Metal Age, I. INTRODUCTION The study of organic beads in Philippine archaeological context has taken a most interesting turn by the discovery of adhering residues on organic bead surfaces. These residues are the first documented appliqués on organic Metal Age beads thus far (1). The organic beads studied were recovered from Ille Site, El Nido, Palawan, (National Museum Site Code IV-1998-P) which is the rockshelter and cave of a karst tower (4). Ille Site is the most documented and scientifically dated cave site in the Philippines used from the Terminal Pleistocene to Holocene occupation (6). The beads were recovered in the Intensive Burial Phase dated to the Palawan Metal Age (7). The Metal Age organic beads, made from molluscs, shows high technological expertise and manufacturing innovation from Metal Age bead artisans. All the beads have a standardized perforation measuring an average of two (2) mm, hence, they are given the name Microperforated Cut Shell Beads (MCSB). There are three MCSB types recovered, namely, flat, regular, and long. Radiocarbon dating of a randomly selected long MCSB gave the date of approximately 800 AD, taking the MCSB in the middle of the Metal Age of 500 BC to 500 AD (2). Apart from a secure date, the MCSB has also been used to argue against the supposed decline of organic bead production in favour of foreign inorganic beads. The presence of MCSB has proven that local organic bead production had developed even after the arrival and trade of foreign beads made of stone and glass. The significant contribution of the MCSB extended to demonstrating the capabilities and ingenuity of Metal Age bead artisans. According to extensive analysis, the production sequence into making the MCSB is multi-staged. The manufacturing techniques involved processes from organic and inorganic bead manufacture. This makes further investigation of the observed residues on the MCSB surface a significant contribution. II. ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESIDUE ANALYSIS Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has dominantly figured in archaeological residue analysis. Lithic tools from Henauhof-Nord II, southwest Germany were examined under