AN INTRODUCTION T O THE TECHNOLOGY
O F STONE TOOLS
-
PREFACE
I am indebted t o the National Science Foundatlon f o r
financia1 support t o me and Earl H. Swanson, r . through
Idaho State University since 1965. The final d r a f t of the
original PaPer w a s p r e p a r e d by Helen Millard whi1.e the
published f o r m was dane by Mae Jones. E a r l Swanson edited
and Lucille Harten copyread the published paper. A s always
mY wife. Evelyn, gave m e m o r a l support. knowledgeable
comment, and typed the e a r l y d r a f t s of the papep which
organized i t into a coherent whole.
Don E . C r a b t r e e
January, 1972
By Don E . C r a b t r e e
A study of lithic technology r e v e a l s the p r o g r e s s of primitive m a n
for approximately 2,000,000 y e a r s of making and using tools and weapons
of stone, wood, and bone, which i s a predominance of approximately
99. 5% of human history. But a r t i f a c t s made of organic m a t e r i a l s a r e
generally perishable and the m o s t enduring identifiable tools of p r e h i s -
t o r i c m a n a r e those made of stone.
The e a r l i e s t m a n c a n be identified as human a s much by a s s o c i -
ation with stone tools a s by h i s anatomy. F o r this r e a s o n , the techniques
of making stone tools a r e of g r e a t importance i n the study of human origins
and d i s p e r s a l s . F l a k e s c a r s on the a r t i f a c t s a r e the r e s u l t of v a r i o u s
flintknapping techniques and consequently furnish evidence and diagnostic
c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of a t l e a s t the l a s t stage of manufacture. F u r t h e r , a
microscopic study of functional s c a r s on the edges c a n give s o m e b a s i s
for t h e o r e t i c a l functional analysis. Reducing the initial m a s s of lithic
m a t e r i a l t o the finished product r e q u i r e s many s t a g e s of manufacture,
discarding waste flakes during the p r o c e s s . These debitage flakes a r e
usually m o r e diagnostic t h a n flake s c a r s , for t h e i r s i z e , thickness, shape
and d e g r e e of curvature c a n r e v e a l s e v e r a 1 manufacturing s t e p s . They
c a n indicate the technique, for they r e t a i n the bulb of applied f o r c e
(platform a r e a ) , show the method of p l a t f o r m preparation and innumerable
bther c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s which indicate the technique. F o r this reason, a
c a r e f u l study of the flaking d e b r i s is a p r i m e requisite i n determining
tbe manufactur ing t e chnique.
Flintknapping i s one of the e a r l i e s t i n d u s t r i a l a r t s of m + n - a
p r o c e s s of m a n ' s ability t o induce and control the f r a c t u r e of stone t o
f o r m functional implements. The pebble o r cobble culture of Olduvai
i s the oldest known f o r m of working stone by a simple p e r c u s s i o n tech-
nique of detaching one o r m o r e flakes f r o m a cobble t o leave a s h a r p
cutting edge. Certainly m a n ' s first attempt a t flintknapping w a s e i e -
mentary, but as c u l t u r e s developed in the stone age we s e e the p r o g r e s s
mof new and m o r e sophisticated to01 types evolve which required new
flaking technique S.
 P A R T I1

A GLOSSARY O F FLINTWORKING TERMS

Don E . C r a b t r e e

with t h e e d i t o r i a l a s s i s t a n c e of

G u y Muto
Christine Lovgren
E a r l H. Swanson

and i l l u s t r a t i o n s b y

Mary Keeler
 GLOSSARY

Term

Aberrant Deviation f r o m n o r m a l . Odd, p e c u l i a r .

N ot exhibiting c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s peculiar
t o a p a r t i c u l a r technology o r technique.

Aboriginal Original inhabitant; native inhabitants

o a regisn.

A curninate Taper-pointed; t a p e r i n g gradually t o the

tip, e . g. , p e r f o r a t o r , acuminate bulb.

Alternate F l a k e s removed a l t e r n a t e l y f r o m the

Flaking s a m e edge f r o m f i r s t one f a c e and
then the other. Applies t o both
p r e s s u r e and p e r e u s sion teehniques.

Denoting a n i r r e g u l a r shape. Of no
d e t e r m i n a t e forrn, without c l a s s i f i a b l e
shape e s p e c i a l l y with referente t o
some cores.

Amputated The severing of a flake, blade, o r

a r t i f a c t e i t h e r by applied f o r c e o s end
shock. Syn. : t r u n c a t e d , severed,
(P. 61 1.

Angle of F o r c e The angle a t which the f o r c e of flaking

or i s applied e i t h e r by p e r c u s s i o n ,
Angle of i n d i r e c t p e r c u s sion, p r e s s u r e o r the
Applied F o r c e combination of p r e s s u r e and p e r c u s sion.
Usually a v e c t o r of f o r c e r e p r e s e n t i n g a
s t r a i g h t line. Having both magnitude
and direction. An exception i s the curved o r
a r c - l i k e paih of flight when using specia.1
p e r c u s s i o n technique, e. g. , billet o r
baton, cobble edge technique, block on
block o r anvil.
 -Term Definition

Anterior Top. End opposite the p o s t e r i o r .

Example: the p l a t f o r m s u r f a c e of
a c o r e i s the a n t e r i o r portion.

Anvil Technique Objective piece i s projected against

a s t a t i o n a r y object of sufficient
h a r d n e s s with sufficient f o r c e t o
accomplish f r a c t u r e . See Block on
Block (p. 3 5 , ) .

Applied F o r c e When the type of f o r c e used t o f a b r i c a t e

a n a r t i f a c t i s unknown, o r questionable,
the t e r m "applied f o r c e " i s substituted
f o r p r e s s u r e o r p e r c u s s i o n f o r c e until
the a c t u a l technique i s verified, Used
until the analyst h a s verified whether
the object was made by p e r c u s s i o n ,
i n d i r e c t p e r c u s sion, d i r e c t p r e s s u r e ,
o r a n a t u r a l force.

Arris See Ridge, C r e s t .

Artifact Derived f r o m the Latin word f a c e r ,

"to malce. " P r i m o r d i a l objects d e -
vised, produced, o r modified b y man
(modification may be e i t h e r by intent or
by function). This text i s primarily
concerned witli lithic a r t i f a c t s ancl the
f r a c t u r i n g implements needed f o r t h e i r
manufacture ,

Artificer S a m e a s flintknapper. See "Flintknapper. li

r-. .-%L A-L~-:."

'C, ..
Attribute of F o r m C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s and p e c u l i a r i t i e s of
shape which show a n indieation of
culture t r a i t S. Example: outline .

Anvil technique
 De finition

Attribute of Technique s having diagnosti valile s which

T e chnolog y sl-iow modes of manufacture, c h a r a c t e r l s t i . ~ ;
t r a i t s , and pa.tterns of human behavior.
E x a m p l e s : fluting, e r a i l l u r e s , fisso-ires.

Axis of S e e "Angle of F o r c e .
Applied F o r c e

Backed F h e intentional dulling of one rnargin of a

flake o r blade by r e m a v i n g a s e r i e s of
flakes f r o m the l a t e r a l m a r g i n opposate
the s h a s p edge. In. Some inst.nees, the
toolmake r took advantage of n a t u a l
Denticulate to01
backing, s u c h a.s c o r t e x , t o s e r v e a s Dke Basal t h i n n i n g
Backed b l a d e
s a m e dulling mediram. The methsd af
blunting m a l be of diagnostic s igrziftcaiice.
(P- 3 7 1.
A projection on the l a t e r d l m a r g i n s af an
a r t i f a c t - s o m e t i m e s rtear the base - w h k h
s l a n t s in a d i r e c t i s n f i o m the dista2 towa-c!
the psoximal end.

Basal Intentlonal abrading and smocathing of the

G r ind:!ng p r o x i m a l m a r g i n s and end of a n a r t i f a c t ts
prevent cuttisg the serving. Acecam.plish.ed
by rubbing the base of the a r t i f a e t on s orne
type of abrasiare matexial. PresumabSy
done t o facilitate hafting.

A teehnlque of removlng e,lther unifcially

or bifacially one or m o r e longitudinal
Slakes f r o m the prox:ima.l end. Presumablp?
done t o facilitate hafting. (p. 3 7 1.

Basal Portion The p ~ o x i m a lend. See " P r o x i m a l End. f '

(end)

D a r k igne ous r o e k wlth v a r i a b l e textrare S .

Igneous derived f r o m the Latin ignis ,
"fire. I ' A volcanic origin stone.
Biface from Rock Creek, Idaho
37
 -
Term De finit ion

Baton o s The u s e of a rod-like baton t o p e r o u s

C ylindrical thin flakes o r blades f r o m the m a s s .
Hammer The p e r c u s s o r should b3%f m a t e r i a l
Technique which will yield when contact i s m a d e
with the objective piece. Batons rnay
of a n t l e r , h o r h , bone, o r wood. See
Billet.

Beak A hooked projection made by unifacial

flaking. Generally made by the p r e s s u r e
t e c h i q u e . Syn. : s p u r . Example: A
beaked burin.

Bending Usually detached by p r e s a u x e retouch.

Bi-conical percussion core
Flake s The i l a k e s have pronounced c u r v e s on ~ i - d i r e c t i o n a lt a b u l a r c o r e
the plane of fracture. They leave s e a r s
on the a r t i f a c t s which extend f r o m one
l a t e r a l m a r g i n toward t h e opposite edge
and p a s s the median line. They a r e
cornrnonly diagonal.

Beveled An edge which h a s been manufactured

Edg e t o produce the d e s i s e d edge angle o r
e x p o s u r e f o r the remova1 of a d e s i r e d
flake o r flake s e r i e s . A l i o rnay be f o r
sharpening o r strengthening.

Bi-directionaa Nuclei which b e a r s c a r s resulting f r o m

C ores f l a k e s o r blades having been detached
f r o m two directions. (p. 39). , ,

Bi-directional S c a r s on c o r e s o r lithic tools which a r e

ELake and the r e s u l t of removing blades o r flakes
Blade S c a r s by applying the f o r c e f r o m two directions.

Biface A r t i f a c t bearing flake s c a r s on both f a c e s .

( P * 37 1- obverse reverse
Bi-directional c y l i n d r i c a l core
B ille t A club-like rod of m a t e r i a l , other than
stone, used t o detach flakes f r o m lithic
m a t e r i a l . Usually of wood o r a n t l e r .
See B~aton. Bi-directional cores
Bi-polar technique

S p l i t Cobble
Technique of r e s t i n g c o r e on a n v i l f o r p e r c u s s i o n blow.
Bulbs of f o r c e a r e - n o t p r e s e n t a t b o t h ends. The cone of f o r c e
i s s h a t t e r e d o r severed.
 Definiton

Technique of ~estlngcore, or Zithic

implement, on =vil aad seriking the
core witb a pexcustaur. Contxary t o
popular beliei, brt2bs of force are not
p r e s e n t on both ends of b i p s l a r Elakes o s
blades. T h i s technique c a u s e s the cone
o f o r c e t o be shattiered o r sevesed. Cone
confined t o one end and i s sometime.5
sheared. (p. 40).

An i n s e r t of bone, a n t l e r , i v o r y o r 3 . Alternate
m e t a l into one end of a handle, o r flaking t o produce
ridge.
c r u t e h , t o m a k e a e s m p o s i t e pressimre
tool. The t i p o r forepieee o a omposite
p r e s s u r e tool.

Specialized flake with p a r a l l e l o r sub-

p a r a l l e l l a t e r a l edges; the length laeing
equal to, o r m o r e than, twice the width.
C r o s s sections a r e plano-ccanvex, t r i -
angulale, sub-triangulate, r e ctangula.r,
trapezoidal. Some have m o r e than t w s
c r e s t s o r ridges. Associated with p s e -
pared cone and blade technique; ast a
r a n d o m flake. ( p p . 43, 47 & 55).

Tools made f r o m blades detachcd f r o m

a c o r e . E . g . , end s c r a p e r or, a blade,
baeked blade, b u r i n on a blade, and
rnic~oliths.

A usable piece of lithie m a t e r i a l o

adequate s i z e and f o s m f o r makj.ng a
lithic artifact - such as unmodifjed f l a k e s
01 a i.ze l a r g e r than the proposed a.r.tj.fa.ct,
b e a r i n g li.ttle o r no waste material., a.nd
suitable for as s orted 1i.thic a~:tifactstvle S .
The shape o s forrn of the final product i s
not diselosed i n t h e blank. A s e r i e s of
objeets in the e a r l y s t a g e s i n the manu-
facturing p r o c e s s before the p r e f o r m is
reached.
7.

Sequence of core and blade manufacture

43
 Ventral
S o f t hammer blade
a. Platform f . Fissures o r hackles
b. Lip g. Contact a r e a
c. Eraillure h. Previous b l a d e s c a r
d. D i f f u s e bulb o f f o r c e i. Dorsal r i d g e o r a s r i s
e. Preparation f l a k e s c a r s

Hard hammer b l a d e
d. Pronounced b u l b o f f o r c e
g. S l i g h t l y curshed c o n t a c t a r e a ; absence of l i p

Hard H

Ventral
P e r c u s s i o n c o r e and b l a d e s
 Definition

Block on Method of removing flakes by swinging

Block the c o r e against a n anvil. See Anvil
Technique. May be used t o produce
l a r g e thick flakes a s i n the Clactonian
i n d u s t r y o r blades with thin platforms.
( p p . 35 & 4 7 ) .

Bulb of The bulbar p a r t on the v e n t r a l side a t

Applied the p r o x i m a l end of a flake. Tbe
Force r e m n a n t of a cone p a r t , the r e s u l t of
t h e application of e i t h e r p r e s s u r e o r
p e r c u s sion force. Commonly called the
"bulb of p e r c u s s i o n , I f however, t h i s
signifies only one group of specialized
techniques. Since the bulb of f o r c e j.s
produced by both p r e s s u r e and percussion,
the t e x m "bulb of applied force" should be 3.
used until the mat~ufacturingt e chnique i s Stop notch and platform preparation
verified. Syn.: Cone of force.
('pp. 44 & 53).

Bulb of See Bulb of Applied F o r c e ,

P e r c u s sion

See Bulb of Applied F o r c e .

4.
Angle of burin blow
Bulbar S c a r The negative s c a r found on a c o r e o r
c o r e to01 that r e s u l t s from t h e bulb of
force - either percussion or pressure.
I t i s a m i r r o r s u r f a c e o r mold of the
cone p a r t resulting f r o m flake detaehment.
I n t h i s u s e bulbar s c a r i s not synonymous wit
E r a i l l u r e s c a r . Syn. : negative bulb f o r c e .

A chisel-like implement desived f r o m a flake

o r blade; o r the modification of other 2m- 5.
plements by using the b u r i n technique t o Detached burin s p a l l or burin blade
r e m o v e the edges parablel t o t h e i r long axis
a n d / o r t r a n s v e r s e l y o r obliquely. G e n e r a l l y
f o r m s a right angle edge on 0n.e o r both r n a r -
gins. The specialized flake removed a s a
r e s u l t of the b u r i n b r e a k i s called a b u r i n
blade o r spall. ( p. 49).

Sequence of burin manufacture

49
 Term Definition
B u r i n Blade A specialized flake removed f r o m a
burin core, generally rectangular in
t r a n s v e r s e section. The d o r s a l side
of t h e blade g e n e r a l l y shows a single
blade s c a r with l a t e r a l m a r g i n s a t
right angles. The f i r s t b u r i n blade
removed f r o m the c o r e m a y show
n u m e r o u s v a r i a n t s , depending on the
type of m a t e r i a l used and because it
b e a r s s c a r s of the w o r k e r ' s p r e p a r a t i o n
t o e s t a b l i s h a ridge t o guide the f i r s t
blade. Syn. : burin spall.
Burin Break S c a r left on flake o r blade resulting
f r o m the remova1 of a b u r i n spall.
The right angle edge o r b r e a k , s e v e r e d
t r a n s v e r s e l y f r o m f o r c e applied t o the
margin.
Burin Core A c o r e m a d e f r o m thin, t a b u l a r flakes,
blades, o r lithic i m p l e m e n t s f r o m which
one o r m o r e b u r i n s p a l l s have been
removed. May s e r v e a s a to01 o r a
s o u r c e of b u r i n blades, o r both.
Burin Scar The negative bulb of f o r c e s c a r found on
a c o r e o r c o r e tool. Produced by e i t h e r
p e r c u s s i o n o r p r e s s u r e . The mold of
the cone p a r t resulting f r ~ m flake detaeh-
ment. Syn. : b u r i n faeet.
B u r i n Spall Specialized flake o r blade removed f r o m a
b u r i n c o r e . B e c a u s e of the n a t u r e of the
c o r e , the b u r i n blade m u s t be thick in
r e l a t i o n t o i t s length and i usually t r i a n g -
u l a r o r r e e t a n g u l a r in section. Such a
blade h a s important functional value because
i t s f o r m supplies s t r e n g t h without bulk.
Made both by the p r e s s u r e and p e r c u s s i o n
t e chnique S.
-
Term Definition
Cast Replicas of a r t i f a c t s p r e p a r e d i n a c r y l i c
f i b e r , epoxy, p l a s t e r of p a r i s o r other
suitable medium. T h e i r type s should
always be specified, e. g. : a c r y l i c f i b e r
c a s t s by E i c h e n b e r g e r .
Chalcedony A cryptocrystalline v a r i e t y of q u a r t z ,
predominantly s i l i c a and having the n e a r
l u s t e r of paraffin wax. May be t r a n s -
p a r e n t o r t r a n s l u c e n t and of v a r i o u s t i n t s .
Chalcedony with d i f f e r e n t c o l o r s a r r a n g e d
i n s t r i p s o r l a y e r s i s called agate. If f h e
s t r i p s o r l a y e r s a r e horizontal, i t i s onyx.
C h r y s o p r a s e i s g r e e n chalcedony. C a r n e l i a n
is f l e s h - r e d and s a r d i s e i t h e r g r e y i s h - r e d
o r brown.
Chert A fine-grained siliceous rock. I w p u r e
v a r i e t y of chalcedony r e s e m b l i n g flint.
Generally light colored.
Chevron See Double Diagonal Flaking (p. 87).
Flaking
Chip See Flake.
Heavy c o r e to01 p r e s u m e d t o be used f o r
chopping. May be uniface o r biface.
Cleavage P l a n e s along which the m i n e r a l m a y be
Plane e a s i l y split. Tendency of t h e m a t e r i a l
t o split along e i t h e r the c r y s t a l l o g r a p h y ,
n a t u r a l s t r u c t u r a l planes, bedding planes,
a n d l o r planes of non-homogeneity. T h s
human-induced f r a c t u $ r em a y follow o r be
m a d e t o follow a cleavage plane. F l a k e s
s t e p f r a c t u r e d a t i n t e r s e t i o n of cleavage
.
plane. E. g : q u a r t z c r y s t a 5 petrified
wood.
PRQPERTY O F
THE ARCHEOLOG!CAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
INSTiYTE OF h2i:liEOLOGY & AFJTI.IROPOLOGY
51 UXIVERSITY OF SOUT'rl CWROLINA
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA 29208
 Definition

Cleaver A to01 approximately U-shaped with one

t r a n s v e r s e cutting edge. ~ i f a c i a cl l e a v e r s
r e s e m b l e truncated hand a x e s with s t r a i g h t
o r oblique edge a t the tip.

T r a n c h e t Blow F l a k e c l e a v e r s a r e made by allowing the

C l e ave r " t r a n c h e t t t ( p e r c u s sion) blow t o i n t e r s e c t
the p r i m a r y flake s u r f a c e t o produce a
s h a r p cutting edge. , ,

C ollate r a1 Expanding flakes removed f r o m the l a t e r a l

Flaking e d g e s of the a r t i f a c t a t right angles t o the
longitudinal axis. The technique i s v a r i e d
and does not r e q u i r e using r i d g e s , o r e r e s t s ,
t o guide the flakes. Can be produced b y
p e r c u s s i o n , i n d i r e c t p e r c u s sion, OF p r e s -
s u r e , depending on the d e s i r e d s i z e of the
flakes. (p. 8 7 ) .

C ommingle T o mix o r mingle m a t e r i a l f r o m two o r

m o r e sourees.

Compression Ripple rings radiating f r o m t h e point of

R ing s f o r c e . Can be both positive and negative -
positive on the flake and bladeg and negative on
the c o r e . Can be compared t o r i p p l e s f o r m e d
i n a pool of s t i l l w a t e r a f t e r the dropping Q
a pebble. C o m p r e s s i o n r i n g s a r e g e n e r a l l y
m o r e prominent with pexcussion t h a n with
p r e s s u r e . A wave motion that c a n be used
a s a n indication of the d i r e c t i o n of force.

Compressor Implement used by the flintknapper t o e x e r t

p r e s s u r e t o the artifact. Synonymous with
t t i n d e n t e r t tused in the litho-mechanic
lite r a t u r e .

Cone of f o r c e (Hertzian Cone)

 Tesm Definition

@ onchoidal A diagnostic f r a c t u r e on a plane s u r f a c e

Fracture which r e s e m b l e s and h a s the c h a x a c t e r -
i s t i c s and f o r m of half a bivalve shell.
It i s the r e s u l t of definite striking pat-
t e r n s . The s t r i k i n g a r e a would be a t the
"hinge" p a s t of the bivalve s h e l l and the
conchoidal f r a c t u r e below on the p a r t t h a t
w a s plane,

Cone of T h e f o r m a t i o n of a cone i s the r e s u l t of

Foice f o r c e applied t o materiais which have the
(Hertzian p r o p e r t y of i s o t r o p l s m . When f o r c e i s V)
Cone) applied vextieally t o a flat s u r f a c e , the a>
a
cd
f o r c e will s p r e a d causing a cone t o f o r m . rl
P
S h e apex of the cone wi ll be truneated in
a
proportion t o the s u r f a e e eon.tac'sed by the 5
agent t r a n s f e r r i ~ gthe f o r c e . E a c h flake 0
i s a cone p a r t - o r p a r t of the bulb o f o r c e . k
O
L)
(P* 53). 4
cd
k
Cone S h e a r S h e a r of m i d s e c t i o n due t o cleaving f r o m a
e , .
C
opposing f o r c e s , f r o m i n e r t i a o r f r o m X
4
L
support. T h i s happens m o r e often wEth O
a
r ~ u n d e dcobbles. T h e r e i s often m i n o r
crushing a t cone t r u n e a t i s n . Lhe s c a r
5C)
.rl
as distinctive, being quite flat w i t h bi- k
I

s e c t i o n of the cone, closely spaced

radiating inundabions and 1ittLe s r no
5O
V)
a,
bulb definitisn. z

Goaical. C o r e A c o r e type r e s e m b l i n g a cone, the apex I

of which i s the distal. end. Generally
a s s ociated with speeialized blade c o r e S .

Core Nucleus. A m a s s of m a t e r i a l often p r e -

f o r m e d by the w o r k e r t o the d e s i r e d
shape t o allow the r e m o v a l s f a definite
type of flake o r blade. P i e c e of i s o t r o p i e
m a t e ria1 b e a r i n g negative flake s c a r s , o r
s c a r . C o r e s can be embryonie - s u c h a s a
piece of n a t u r a l , u n p r e p a r e d , raw m a t e r i a l
 -
Term Definition
-
with s c a r , o r s c a r s , reflecting the
C r e s t e d Blade
detachment of one o r m o r e flakes such
a s the Mexican polyhedral c o r e . A11
flaked to01 i n d u s t r i e s a r e r e p r e s e n t e d
by e i t h e r flakes o r c o r e s .
(pp. 39, 40, 43, 46, 4 7 & 55).
C o r e To01 Ambiguous t e r m , usually r e s e r v e d f o r
techniques based on nodular reduction,
such a s cobble choppers, o r Achqi:leari
hand a x e s . L a r g e f l a k e s s e r v e a l s o a s
the c o r e f o r l a t e r a x e s , and i n the absence
of the original c o r t e x t h i s distinction i s
futile. C a r r i e d t o i t s logical e x t r e m e a11
tools f r o m which flakes a r e removed a r e
c o r e tools.
C o r e Type A c o r e which h a s a consistency of f o r m
and technological t r a i t s . ( S o m e t i m e s
indicative of a culture). E. g. : Meso-
a m e r i c a n polyhedral c o r e , biconieal
bidirectional c o r e .
Cortex N a t u r a l s u r f a c e , o r rind, on flint-like
mate rials . c h a r a c t e r . Some analyst m a y c o n s i d e r the
Multiple i n t e r s e c t i n g iimoon-like cones
on the s u r f a c e of v i t r e o u s r o c k s r e s u l t i n g
f r o m e i t h e r intentional o r n a t u r a l pounding,
tumbling, o r bruising.
6 razing Minute s u r f a c e c r a c k s - g e n e r a l l y e r o s s -
hatched - causing the s u r f a c e t o be weak-
ened. Common t o over-heated s i l i e e s u s
materials.
Crest Word used t o denote both the r a i s e portion
on the m a r g i n a l p a r t s of a flake o r blade
s c a r and the ridge befmeen two p a r a l l e l
flake s c a r s . E d g e s of tha coneave plane of
f r a c t u r e . The opposite of trough.
Term Definition
A word often used - and widely m i s u s e d -
t o d e s c r i b e c h a r a c t e r of workmanship of
aboriginal a r t i f a c t s . The refinemerit, o r
lack of refinement of the work m u s t be
evaluated and r e l a t e d t o the m a t e r i a l
before the word 'Icrude" i s a.pplied.
Embryonic, i n f e r i o r , o r bad work found
on good m a t e r i a l could well be called
c r u d e , but a t t h e s a m e t i m e , allowance
should be m a d e f o r the l e a r n e r o r beginner.
But the finding of l e s s controlled flaking on
poor m a t e r i a l m a y indicate t h a t the w o r k e r
w a s , indeed, a skilled f a b r i c a t o r t o have
accomplished any d e g r e e of flaking. H e r e ,
it is a l m o s t u n n e c e s s a r y t o allow f o r the
l e a r n e r o r beginnex f o r i t i s doubtful they
could do work on bad o r i n f e r i o r m a t e r i a l .
A l s o t o be c o n s i d e r e d i s the intent and
ultimate d e s i g n of the w o r k e r - f ~ instance,
r
he m a y have b e e n designing a p r e f o r m , d r i l l ,
o r digging to01 and, t h e r e f o r e , not wanted,
o r bothered with, the m o r e refined flaking
p r e f o r m work a s "crude" w h e r e a s t h e w o r k e r
was intentionally flaking i n t h i s m a n n e r t o
allow f o r f u r t h e r thinning.
Crutch A wooden staff of varying d i m e n s i m s with
a c h e s t r e s t c r o s s - p i e c e a t the upper end
and a p r e s s u r e t i p i n s e r t e d at the working end.
S h e shoulder c r u t c h i s a s m a l l v e r s i o n of
the chest crutch. Size and construction de-
pends on individual p r e f e r e n c e and the type
of work t o be accomplished. Usually used a s
p r e s s u r e t o o l i , but c a n b e used i n a combina-
tion of p r e s s u r e and p e r c u s s i o n .
A fine - g r a i n e d c r y s t a l l i n e r o c k but having
Cryptocrystalline
distinct p a r t i c l e s which a r e unrecognizable
without the aid of magnification. The s i z e
of the m i c r o c r y s t a l s d e t e r m i n e t h e t e x t u r e .
 Term Definition

Term Definition
Curved Flaking S e e Bending F l a k e s .

DiSfuse Bulb A bulb of f o r c e which l a c k s the definition of

Dampen T o weaken, abate, diminish. L a r g e pieces
the cone p a r t . The bulb i s disseminated, in-
being worked a r e frequently dampened by
disating a broad contact with the p r e s s u r e o r
support on the thigh of the flintworker.
p e r c u s sion tool. C ommon t o billet t e chnique.
G e n e r a l l y lacks a n e r a i l l u r e s c a r and ripple
Debitage Residual lithic m a t e r i a l resulting f r o m
m a r k s a r e much subdued. See Truncation,
to01 manufacture. Useful t o d e t e r m i n e
technique s and f o r showing technological (P. 44).
t r a i t s . R e p r e s e n t s intentional and uninten-
Direct A method of holding the m a t e r i a l t o be flaked
tional breakage of a r t i f a c t s e i t h e r t h r ough
Freehand i n the unsupported hand and directing t h e
manufacture o r function. Debitage flakes
P e r c u s sion p e r c u s s i o n o r p r e s s u r e implement with the
usually r e p r e s e n t the v a r i o u s s t a g e s of
ox P r e s s u r e other hand t o detach flakes o r blades.
p r o g r e s s of the raw m a t e r i a l f r o m the
o r i g i n a l f o r m t o the finished stage.
Birect Rest A method whereby the objective pieee i s
supported on a n anvil during the flaking
Debris Waste m a t e r i a l - such a s q u a r r y i n g o r
process.
mining waste - having little o r no definitive
c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s . See D e t r i t u s , Debitage.
Dis coidal C o r e Bi-convex c o r e having flakes o r blades
Denticulation removed f r o m the p e r i m e t e r and usually
Prominences resembling teeth similar to
on both f a c e s . (p. 39).
those on a saw. Tooth-like s e r r a t i n g on
m a r g i n s of a r t i f a c t s . (p. 3 7 ) .
Dor s a l Outer s u r f a c e . Keeled p a r t of blade o r
Detritus flake. F o r i n s t a n c e , the d o r s a l side of
Waste of disintegrated r o c k s , s u c h a s a c -
a blade i s the face of the c o r e p r i o r t o
cumulated w a s t e a t a n a t u r a l e x p o s u r e .
detachment.
Having little o r no diagnostic value. See
Debitage, D e b r i s .
Double P a r a l l e l diagonal flakes removed f r o m
Diag onal both l a t e r a l m a r g i n s and t e r m i n a t e d
Diagonal S i m i l a r t o p a r a l l e l flaking, except the p r e s -
Flaking along the median line but d i r e c t e d toward
Parallel s u r e is d i r e c t e d a t a n oblique angle f r o m
the b a s e of the a r t i f a c t . An herringbone,
Flaking right t o left. T h i s i s the technique of right-
or Christmas t r e e pattern results. A
handed p e r s o n s , but a left-handed w o r k r
m o s t dlfficult technique b e c a u s e one m u s t
would d i r e c t the p r e s s u r e a t a n angle f r o m e i t h e r be ambidexterous o r m u s t c o m -
left t o right. The p r e f o r m i s held i n the
pletely x e v e r s e both the p l a t f o r m p r e p a -
p a l m of the left hand with a right-handed
r a t i o n and the d i r e c t i o n of f o r c e .
w o r k e r and i n the right hand when the knapper
i s left-handed. When t right-handed p e r s o n (P* 8 7 ) .
holds the p r e f o r m in the f i n g e r s o r the left
Downward Method of coordination of m u s c u l a r m o t o r
hand and the p r e s s u r e is d i r e c t e d away f r o m
and Outward h a b i t s which allows the w o r k e r t o push
the knapper, the r e s u l t s will r e s e m b l e those
Pressure down and out simultane ously i n o r d e r t o
of a left-handed person. T h e s a m e a s d i r -
s t a r t detachment of a flake o r blade f r o m
ection of detaching the flakes.
a c o r e a t the p r o x i m a l end and, a t the
(P-87).
 Definition

s a m e t i m e , follow through t o the point of

r e l e a s e a t the d i s t a l end. Ratio of downward
and outward p r e s s u r e i s adjusted by the
w o r k e r t o control the c h a r a c t e r of the flake.
See Angle of F o r c e . T h i s t e r m applies p r i -
m a r i l y t o detachment of blades by p r e s s u r e .
See In and Away.

Elasticity T h e p r o p e r t y of stone t o r e t u r n t o i t s
f o r m e r s t a t e a f t e r being d e p r e s s e d by
application of force. Ideal lithic m a t e r i a l s
a r e almost perfectly elastic.

E l a s t i c Limit T h e m a x i m u m s t r e s s a s p e c i m e n can with-

stand before f r a c t u r e o c c u r s .

Elastic The inherent p r o p e r t y in c e r t a i n m a t e r i a l s

Reb ound allowing the r e c o v e r y f r o m e l a s t i c s t r a i n .

End Beveled implement made on flake o r blade

Scraper with working edge on one o r both convex
ends. The bevel i s f o r m e d by unifacial
flaking o r by use.

End Shock T r a n s v e r s e f r a c t u r e due t o the stone ex-

ceeding i t s e l a s t i c l i m i t s . F a i l u r e of the
m a t e r i a l t o rebound and r e c o i l before f r a c -
t u r e o c c u r s . (p. 61).

End View P e r p e n d i c u l a r view of e i t h e r p r o x i m a l o r

d i s t a l end.

Eraillure An enigmatic flake foxmed between the

Flake bulb of f o r c e and the bulbar s c a r .
Usually a d h e r e s t o the c o r e i n the bulbak
s c a r . The e r a i l l u r e flake, i t s e l f , l e a v e s
n o s c a r on the c o r e . T h e d o r s a l side of the
e r a i l l u r e flake b e a r s no c o m p r e s s i o n r i n g s
but the v e n t r a l side of the e r a i l l u r e flake
does b e a r c o m p r e s s i o n r i n g s that m a t c h

1 .,a

T,,.l,,.,,c r,.:..7 r,: c -~: ~ ; ~ ; j . r ! ,CF,.?~~!N

End shock o r amputati&HE Rr.:i,.<i:~;~.\.~.~ . 1 L'

61 p,,i,-,,,
s2 :-',., ;~; [ ; i
, !:.r.:; y;>;jT;{
8 ! 8 $;!,;;<ji,;;jp,' '.'..''-i
(-, :,, 7 , r1
I :,,?.
t
d~~lvld\?i,
! i &,,, ).;
559 v , \ i : , , ~ ~ ~ i <
" ~l ~8i
Term

the s c a r left on the bulb of force. The

e r a i l l u r e flake i s convex, concave.
Example : Menis cus l e n s .
Exhaus ted Used up. Consumed, e i t h e r f r o m function
w e a r o r by the flintknapper. Adjective
applied m o s t often t o c o r e s . Exhaustion
m a y occur f o r the following r e a s o n s :
s t e p s and hinges, reduction o p l a t f o r m
s i z e o r angle, lack of m a t e r i a l , to0 s m a l l .

Exhaus ted A r t i f a c t s whieh have been r e n d e r e d u s e l e s s

T 001s because of r e s h a r p e n i n g whieh produces a n
angle inadequate for fuxthex retoueh. C o r e s
consumed f r o m flake and blade remova1 o r
f r o m rejuvenation.

Experimental The e x p e r i m e n t a l approach t o replicating

Flintworking aboriginal stone work. T h i s in9tiall.y
involves r e p l i c a t i s n of flake and flake s c r
a t t ~ i b u t e sof technology, a f t e r which those
techniques whieh produce the l e a s t s a t i s -
f a c t o r y r e s u l t s a r e eliminated and the
s t h e r te chnique refined.

Fabricator Any of the t s o l s used t o apply f o r c e t o the

obbjective piece i n the knapping p r o c e s s .
Includes: h a m m e r s t o n e s , b i l l e t s , batons,
p r e s s u s e and nstching t o s l s , puzi_ches, etc.

Face The d s s s a l o r v e n t r a l siarface Q the

artifact.

Facet E i t h e s a n a t u r a l o r a r t i f i c a 1 plane susface.

I a r t i f i c a l , facet i s produced by intentional
grinding. The w s r d " f a ~ e should t ~ ~ not b&
used when deseribirxg p a r t s o flake s c a r s .

Fatigue Undetected s t r a i n s indueed 3n lithic m a t e r i a l

caus ing m o l e c u l a r s t s e s s and wekne s S .
G e n e r a l l y due t o i m p r o p e r r e c o v e r y of
elasticity.
 Term Definition
Term
Feathering A technique which produces a flake which
Flake r
t e r m i n a t e s in a n edge with a m i n i m a l
m a r g i n . P r o d u c e s blades o r flakes with
edges and dista1 ends which a r e v e r y s h a r p .
F e a t h e r e d edge leaves slight r i d g e s on the
objective piece, a c h a r a c t e r i s t i c of p r e c i s i o n
c o l l a t e r a l flaking. (p. 63).
Flaking
F i r e Checks Distinctive minute c r a c k s in stone, usually
r e c t a n g u l a r in shape. A p p e a r s in chalcedonis
r o c k s which have been e i t h e r heated o r cooled
t o s rapidly. May be a s s ociated with planned
t h e r m a l t r e a t m e n t o r m e r e l y be the r e s u l t of
F l a k e Type
accidental h e a t contact. E x c e s s i v e heat will
c a u s e r o c k s t o become g r a n u l a r and s c a l y
and w i l l usually change the c o l o r t o a p o r -
c e l a i n white. See Crazing, T h e r m a l
Treatment.
F l a t Flaking
Fissures Line s of r a d i i usually originating a t the
m a r g i n s of the flakes on v e n t r a l face and
d i r e c t e d toward the point of force. F i s s u ~ e s
a r e not c r a c k s , but a r e c r e s t s and t r o u g h s .
The a p p e a r a n c e of f i s s u r e s on the bulb of
f o r c e usually indicates that a p e r c u s s i o n
technique w a s used. F i s s u r e s a r e a l s o
known a s hackles. Syn. : Gro-oved s h a t t e r ,
line S .
Flake Any piece of stone removed frorn a l a r g e r
m a s s by the application of force - e i t h e r
intentional, accidentally, o r by n a t u r e . A
portion of i s o t r o p i c m a t e r i a l having a plat-
f o r m and bulb of f o r c e a t the proximal end.
T h e flake m a y be of ny s i z e o r dimension,
depending on which technique was used for
detachment. See Thinning Flakes.
Flintknappe r
(P* 96).
Definition
A p r e s s u r e implement used t o r e m o v e flakes
during the p r o c e s s of forming o r sharpening.
S a m e a s c o m p r e s s o r . The word "flaker"
r e l a t e s t o p r e s s u r e flaking w h e r e a s the
implement used f o r p e r c u s s i o n work i s
referred to a s a "percussor" o r hammer.
P r o c e s s of removing s m a l l p i e c e s of m a t e r i a l
f r o m objective piece b y p r e s s u r e , p e r c u s s i o n ,
i n d i r e c t p e r c u s s i o n o; the combination of
p r e s s u r e and p e r c u s s i o n .
Groups of flakes which b e a r teehnological
a t t r i b u t e s showing r h y t h m s and prototype s
of t h e i r mode of remova1 f r o m a c o r e .
See Thinning Flake.
Technique which r e m o v e s flakes r e s u l t i n g
i n a plane s u r f a c e .
T h e amount of bending without breaking
exhibited by s ome lithic m a t e r i a l s . Not
elasticity.
A siliceous m a t e r i a l ideally suited f o r flaked
implement manufacture. Responds wel'l t o
the applcation of f o r c e , e i t h e r p e r c u s sion
o r p r e s s u r e . Usually a fine-grained r o e k
of the d a r k e r shades. O c c u r s a s nodes o s
nodules in l i m e s t o n e s and chalks, and a s
rounded o r i r r e g u l a r m a s s e s .
A g e n e r a l t e r m denoting a11 flaked a r t f a c t s
m a d e o stone. Associated, probably, with
p i e c e s of f l i n t used in flintlock r i f l e s .
One who forrns stone i m p l e m e n t s by con-
t r o l l i n g the f r a c t u r e of the m a t e r i a l . A n
a r t i f i c e r . A s t o n e w o r k e r using m a t e r i a l
exhibiting a conchoidal f r a c t u r e .
 Definition

Flintlike Used t o r e f e r t o any lithic m a t e r i a l which

r e a c t s like flint when subjected t o f o r c e .
M a t e r i a l having the p r o p e r t i e s of i s o -
t r o p i s m and s omewhat c r y p t o c r y s t a l l i n e
and homogeneous.

Flute A negative semi-concave flake s c a r having

,

[..:;,k: :I . . ,:;. 9-. .

, ~ (J" '
p a r a l l e l s i d e s . The r e s u l t of f o r c e applied , .<I

t o the objective piece which h a s previously

had s p e c i a l p r e p a r a t i o n of the s u r f a c e and >. ,-
p l a t f o r m a r e a t o a c c o m p l i s h fluting. A
- i r Ib
.d
.. . .
,, ta;

concave t r o u g h on the a r t i f a c t f r o m the d

p r o x i m a l toward the dista1 end. G e n e r a l l y

r e l a t e d t o blademaking and b a s a1 thinning
of projectile points. P r o d u c e d t o allow
s p e c i a l hafting. The a c t of removing a
-8 A. G r i n d i n g
channel flake the v e r t i c a l length of the
a r t i f a c t . Syn. : Channel flake s c a r .

Fluted Point A p r o j e c t i l e point b e a r i n g one o r two longi-

tudinal channel flake s c a r s f r o m b a s e toward
the tip oxi one o r both f a c e s of the artifact.
C x o s s section i s bi-concave i f both s i d e s a r e
fluted. If only one side i s fluted, the t r a n s -
v e r s e s e e t i o n i s then concave-convex, o r
plano-convex. The s c a r i s convex i n s e c t i o n
and i s n o r m a l l y produced by p r e s s u r e o r in-
d i r e c t . O r d i n a r i l y applied t o F o l s o m points.
(P- 85).

Applied e i t h e r t o willow leaf o r l a u r e l l e a f

type points.

Geometric S m a l l g e o m e t r i c tools with e i t h e r pointed o r

Microliths v a r i o u s shaped s h a r p edges. Usually m a d e
by s e v e r i n g blades into t r a n s v e r s e sections. i
Some common f o r m s a r e called r e c t a n g u l a r ,
t r i a n g u l a r , lunate. P r o b a b l y used for the
B. P o l i s h i n g
manufacture of composite tools.
(P- 7 5 ) .
G r i n d i n g and p o l i s h i n g
(mag. 3 2 . 5 x)

67
 Term

Graver A stone implement g e n e r a l l y made by p r e s -

s u r e flaking and intentionally de s igned t o
have a functional point o r points. It i s gen-
e r a l l y a s s u m e d that g r a v e r s a r e used t o
i n c i s e o r f o r m organic m a t e r i a l s and soft
stone.

G r inding A dual-purpose p r e p a r a t i o n technique.

Weakens a plane s u r f a c e a i s t r e n g t h e n s
a rounded s u r f a c e . Accomplished by
grinding the p l a t f o r m , c o r e top, o r m a r g i n s
~f a r t i f a c t s with a n a b r a s i v e stone.
(P* 67).

Grindstone A b r a s i v e stone composed of bonded g r a n -

ules of rock. A b r a s i v e s t o n e s with g r a n -
ules of v a r i o u s s i z e s and different bonding
agents. Type of a b r a s i v e stone i s s e l e c t e d
t o conform t o the lithic m a t e r i a l being
f o r m e d o r sharpened. Generally, the h a r d e r
the material. being worked, the s o f t e r the
grindstone.

Hackle s

Hand-held Manner of holding the objective piece i n

the l e f t hasd while f o r c e i s e x e r t e d by
the right hand through the p e r c u s s o r o r
c o m p r e s s o r . F r e e - h a n d : objetive piece
held with no support. F r e e - h a n d r e s t :
objective held in r e s t e d hand.

Hinge E'racture A f r a c t u r e a t the dista1 end of a flake o r -

blade which prevents detachment of the

flake a t i t s proposed t e r m i n a l point. A
hinge f r a c t u r e t e r m i n a t e s the flake a t
right angles t o the longitudinal axis and Ventral
the b r e a k is usually rounded o r blunt.
Not t o be confused with a s t e p f r a c t u r e .
(P*69).
Secondary decortication and hinge
f r a c t u r e recovery blade.
 Term De finition
Term De finition
Indirect A p e r c u s s i o n technique which involves.
Homogene ous Qf the s a m e s t r u c t u r e , n a t u r e o r kind
Freehand striking a punch-like object with a p e r c u s s o r .
throughout. Qf like substance. In s e l e c - The punch i s held i n the f i n g e r s of the left
ting m a t e r i a l f o r replication one of the hand with i t s t i p r e s t e d on the p l a t f o r m of the
m a j o r c r i t e r i a i s homogeneity. A hom- a r t i f a c t which i s held i n the unsupported palm
ogeneous m a t e r i a l c a n be worked with
of the s a m e hand. Normally r e q u i r e s the
consistency b e c a u s e it h a s no planes of
s e r v i c e s of a second p e r s o n .
weakness o r included m a t e r i a l that would
i m p a i r the conchoidal f r a c t u r e p r o c e s S.
N a t u r a l undisturbed position of a n object o r
See Inclus ion.
m a t e r i a l . Where f i r s t f o r m e d o r deposited.
Igneous Rock Rock f o r m e d by solidification of m o l t e n
Intermediate A punch- like obje ct of antle r , bone, w ood,
volcanic m a t e r i a l such a s rhyolite, b a s a l t ,
T 001 stone, o r m e t a l on which the p e r c u s s i o n
obsidian.
blow i s delivered t o i m p a r t f o r c e t o a p r e -
Ignimbrite d e t e r m i n e d a r e a on e i t h e r a c o r e o r stone
A s i l i c i c volcanic rock f o r m e d in thick,
tool. Worker s t r i k e s the b a s e of the punch
m a s s i v e compact, lava-like s h e e t s . Usu-
with a p e r c u s s o r . See Punch Technique.
a l l y deposited over a wide a r e a . The r o c k
i s chiefly a fine-grained rhyolite tuff f o r m e d
mainly of g l a s s p a r t i c l e s welded by incan- F a c t o r of contact t i m e between the p e r c u s s o r
I n t e r v a l of
d e s c e n t volcanic cloud. Often confused with and the objective piece. The h a r d p e r c u s s o r
C ontact
ob sidian. h a s a s h o r t i n t e r v a l of contact f o r i t d e l i v e r s
instantaneous concentrated f o r c e . The s o f t e r
Impact S c a r s S c a r s r e s u l t i n g f r o m using a h a r d p e r c u s s o r p e r c u s s o r h a s a longer i n t e r v a l of contact
t o d e l i v e r the f o r c e t o the m a t e r i a l , causing b e c a u s e it i s m o r e yielding and, t h e r e f o r e ,
radiatlng f i s s u r e s on the bulb of f o r c e . allows the f o r c e t o b e i m p a r t e d m o r e slowly.
I n and Away Usually applied t o p r e s s u r e flaking o hand-
I n t e r v a l of T h e spacing distance between the m a r g i n a l
held s p e c i m e n s i n which p r e s s u r e is applied flake s c a r s .
Spacing
i n f r o m a p l a t f o r m on the edge o r m a r g i n in
line with a previously established ridge on A platform which h a s been f r e e d f r o m the
Isolated
the face of the specimen. P r e s s u r e is applied
Platf o r m m a s s by the remova1 of flakes t o i s o l a t e o r
down or away only a f t e r it h a s been applied in c a u s e the p l a t f o r m p a r t t o p r o t r u d e o r become
f r o m the edge. prominent. Example: the p l a t f o r m (nib) on
the b a s e of a F o l s o m point on which the fab-
I n and Down See Downward and Outward P r e s s u r e , I n and ricating to01 i s seated p r i o r t o fluting. Same
Away. a s Promontory.
Inclusion An i m p u r i t y o r foreign body i n stone which
Isotropic M a t e r i a l having the s a m e p r o p e r t i e s i n a l l
d e t e r s the homogeneity of the lithic m a t e r i a l
d i r e c t i o n s . T y p i c a l of amorphous substances
and c a u s e s p r o b l e m s f o r the flintworker.
See Homogeneous.
 -
Term Definition

and of c r y s t a l s of the i s o m e t r i c s y s t e m . In
a n i s o t r o p i c e l a s t i c medium, the velocities of
propagation of e l a s t i c wave s a r e independent
of direction,

Jade A m e t a m o r p h i c rock of v a r i e d c o l o r s . G e m
v a r i e t y i s a p p l e - g r e e n and waxy-white. A
m a t e r i a l of e x t r a o r d i n a r y toughne s s but only
s i x and one-half on the Mohs s c a l e of h a r d -
n e s s . Must be f o r m e d by grinding, not flaking.

Jasper An i m p u r e v a r i e t y of chalcedony f o r m e d in
v a r i o u s opeque c o l o r s . Adaptable f o r flaking
and forming stone a r t i f a c t s .

Keel Ridge f o r m e d by a feathering t e r m i n a t i o n of

flakes a t the m e d i a n line. Can a l s o be a
single ridge on the d o r s a l side of a blade
g e n e r a l l y on the m e d i a n line r e s u l t i n g f r o m
a previously detached blade.

Knapper One who w o r k s stone by flaking, i. e. , flint-

knapper o r a r t i f i c e r . Old World t e r m pos-
s i b l y derived f r o m the knapping h a m m e r used
by stone m a s o n s .

Knapping P r o c e s s of f r a c t u r i n g stone. F o r m e r l y
indicated a p e r c u s s i o n technique but now
includes the p r e s s u r e technique a s well.

F i r s t blade removed f r o m a c o r e . B e a r s bi-

d i r e c t i o n a l flake s c a r s on the d o r s a l s u r f a c e ,
the r e s u l t of the w o r k e r p r e p a r i n g a ridge t o
guide the blade.

Lance olate Lance o r s p e a r l i k e .

L a t e r a l Margins Margins of flakes, blades and other stone

tools on e i t h e r o r both s i d e s of the longitudinal
axis,

Levallois core technique

77
 Term De f initi on

Leading Edge Working p a r t of e i t h e r the stone implement

o r c o r e which i s n e a r e s t the knapper. Edge
of the objective piece facing the knapper.

Levallois A spe c i a l core preparation t e chnique which

T e chnique allows the percussion remova1 of flake i m -
plements requiring little o r no modification.
The Levallois to01 i s plano-convex and i s
c h a r a c t e r i z e d by intersecting flake s c a r s on
the dor s a l side. Generally, only one o r two
usable flakes a r e detached before the c o r e
i s discarded. This technique encompasses
severa1 methods of flake removal.
( P * 7 3).

Lip 1) Projection found on c o r e o r a r t i f a c t

which r e s u l t s f r o m the bulbar s c a r . ,A F l a k e showing pronounced l i p
concavity causing an overhang usually
found on the leading edge.
2 ) Projection found on the proximal v e n t r a l Geometric microliths
s u r f a c e of some flakes, believed t o be a s -
sociated with soft h a m m e r percussion o r
p r e s s u r e . (pp, 44 &i 7 5 ) .

Lithic Derived frorn the Greek word lithos-"stone.

Pertaining t o stone.

Longitudinal The a r e a of the a r t i f a c t bounded by the prox-

Lateral i m a l and d i s t a l ends and both l a t e r a l m a r g i n s .
Section

Longitudinal The thickness of the artifact between the

Transverse d o r s a l and v e n t r a l side and bounded by the
Section proximal and d i s t a l ends.

Marginal See F i s s u r e s .
Fissures

Marginal P r o c e s s of smoothing margins p r i o r t o

G r ind ing flaking t o make t h e m s t r o n g e r and m o r e
r e g u l a r and t o facilitate hafting. Triangular Trapezoidal
 Term

Mas s A quantity o m a t t e r forming a body.

Mechanics o T h e p r i n c i p l e s o motion and f o r c e applied

Fracture t o i s o t r o p i c m a t e r i a l t o aceomplish a
planned and preconeeived f r a c t u r e .

Median Line An i m a g i n a r y llne pertaining t o the middle

p a r %o the a r t i i a c t f r o m the p r o x i m a l t o
the d i s t a l end. Can be on e i t h e r face.

Menis cus C oncave on one s i d e and coavex on the

other. See E r a i l l u r e F l a k e .

Mental T h e visualization, i n khe mind of tbe m a k e r ,

Template of the i d e a l type s E impbement t o be made.
It i s this which m a k e s I1types" such a s
F o l s o m , Clovis, e t e . , identifiable.

Method That p a r t of the f a b r i e a t i o n p r s e e s s wholly

i n the mind of the flintworker, m e n t a l
t e m p l a t e , knowledge s f pos sible technique s
t o employ, f a m i l i a r i t y of style and r e s p o n s e
of the stone being wosked. A c h a r a c t e r i s t i c
mode o r m a n n e r s f p r o c e d u r e .

Microblade s D m i n u t i v e blade g e n e r a l l y made by p r e s -

s u r e technique. Cornmon t o s o m e A r e t i c
c u l t u r e s . See Bl.ade. (p. 7 7 ) .

Microburin Waste product not intended f o r function.

Usually the p r s x i m a l o r d i s t a l end o a
blade . Re sidue of g e o m e t r i c a l m i c r o l i t h
i n d u s t r i e s . Not t o be confused with e i t h e r
a diminutive b u r i n s p a l l or b u ~ i nc o r e . C a n
be made by a s p e c i a l technique o r s e v e r i n g
p r i s m a t i c blades.

Microburin Method o s e v e r i n g blades t o m a k e geomet-

T e chnique r i c a 1 m i c r s l i t h s . Technique . r e q u i r es f i r s t
weakening the blade by m a r g i n a l notchfng and
t h e n breaking it a t the notch.
Micro-core and blades

77

Term Definition
M i c r olith s V e r y s m a l l g e o m e t r i c - f o r m tools commonly
used in composite tools. F o r m e d f r o m p r i s -
m a t i c blades, using the s h a r p unmsdified
l a t e r a l edges a s the cutting edge.
(P-75).
Mingle T o m i x o r mingle m a t e r i a l f r o m one s o u r c e .
Morphological An unreliable method of typing stone tools
Typology accor.ding t o f o r m alone. T h i s c a n be m i s -
leading, f o r tools having the s a m e f o r m
m a y well have been produced b y different
techniques, have different technolsgical a t -
t r i b u t e s , and csuld have been intended f o r
different functional p u r p o s e s .
Multidirectional C o r e b e a r i n g s c a r s whch show that flakes
Core o r blades w e r e rernoved in m o r e than one
direction.
* Oblique Flaking
Naturefacts P s e u d o - a s t i f a c t s caused by n a t u r a l s o i l
(Pseudo-tools) movement, glaciation, wave action, high
velocity w a t e r movement, g r a v i t y ( s u c h a s
alluvial fans o r s t e e p inclines), r a p i d t e m -
p e r a t u r e changes, interna1 p r e s s u r e ( s u c h a s
s t a r c h f r a c t u r e s and pot l i d s ) , exfoliation,
tectonic movements, d i a s t r o p h i s m , s olifluction,
foot t r a m p l i n g and othe r unintenticnal activity
caused by n a t u r e r a t h e r than by man. T h e s e
conditions c a n detach flakes f r o m the m a s s in
s u c h a m a n n e r t h a t the piece m a y r e s e m b l e a n
embryonic tool.
Negative Bulb A m i r r o r s u r f a c e of the cone p a r t always on
of F o r c e the objective piece and not s n the flake o r
blade. See Bulbar S c a r .
F l a k e s and flake s c a r s shswing the a b s e n c e
of c o m p r e s s i s n r i n g s on the plane of f s a c t u r e .
Related t o m a t e r i a l and s p e c i a l techniques.
Term Definition
Notch B a s a l indentations to facilitate hafting.
Not ching Technique of indenting the b a s e of a
p r ~ j e c t i l epoint o r knife t o facilitate
hafting. Usually by the p r e s s u r e t e c h -
nique. Severa1 t r a i t s m a y be identified.
Deep s e r r a t i o n s a r e a style of notching.
Nucleus The core. A central m a s s or a kernel.
The p a r t remaining a f t e r remova1 of
e x c e s s m a t e r i a l , o r a f t e r flakes o r blades
have been detached. A c o r e to01 could be
a nuclear artifact.
Objective Lithic m a t e r i a l being worked o r f o r m e d
P i e ce by v a r i o u s techniques. Can be nodule,
flake, blade, blank, p r e f o r m , c o r e uni-
face, b i f a c e o r a permutation o object
t o completed f o r m .
F l a k e s removed diagonally t o the long a x i s
of the a r t i f a c t . P a r a l l e l flaking d i r e e t e d
diag:onall$ a c r o s s the s u r f a c e of the a r t i -
fact. Generally done b y the p r e s s u r e
technique. See Diagonal Flaking.
(P* 87).
Ob sidian Igneous g l a s s , volcanic rock. G e n e r a l l y
black although s o m e deposits a r e r e d , g r e e n
o r brown. 1s often banded and of different
d e g r e e s of t r a n s p a r e n c y . Well suited f o r
flaked implement manufacture f o r it produces
a v e r y s h a r p cutting edge.
O b s c u r e Side T e r m used t o denote the u n d e r s i d e , o r
unexposed face of a n a r t i f a c t . Used t o
h e l p explain the holding method during
p r e s s u r e flaking. F o r example, during
the p r e s s u r e flaking p r o c e s s , the a r t i f a c t
i s g e n e r a l l y held flat in the hand and flakes
p r e s s e d off the f a c e r e s t i n g on the palm.
 Term De finition

T h i s face i s not v i s i b l e t o the w o r k e r and,

t h e r e f o r e , it i s called the I1obscure side.

o u t r e p a s se' Over and beyond the opposite m a r g i n . (See

T i x i e r 1963, Typologie De L'Epipaleo-
lithique Du Maghreb. )

Ovate s Long oval i m p l e m e n t s . Can be blanks o r

p r e f o r m s . E l l i p t i c a l . Bifacial o r unifacial.

Ove rhang See Lip. (p. 44 & 7 5 ) .

Parallel F l a k e s c a r s a r e p a r a l l e l t o e a c h o t h e r , uni-
Flaking f o r m o r graduated i n s i z e , and leave a s h a r p
s t r a i g h t edge. T h i s technique w a s applied
t o d i r e c t the flakes a c r o s s tke face of the
a r t i f a c t , making it s t r o n g e r and m o r e r e g u l a r .
T h i s type of flaking i s accomplished by the
s e r i a 1 remova1 of blades continuously a c r o s s
the face of the s u r f a c e worked. The flake
p l a t f o r m i s placed i n line with a ridge with
the g r e a t e s t f o r c e applied d i r e c t l y perpen-
d i c u l a r t o m a r g i n with p r e s s u r e tip. The
to01 m u s t be kept i n line with ridge during
detachment. (p. 8 7 ) .

Patina A n a l t e r a t i o n of the s u r f a c e by m o l e c u l a r o r
c h e m i c a l change and not t o be confused with
sand blasting.

P e cking The p e r c u s s i o n technique used t o f o r m o v e r -

lapping s u p e r i m p o s e d cones, usually with
the d i r e c t i o n of f o r c e being applied t o the
s u r f a c e of the m a t e r i a l i n a p e r p e n d i c u l a r
direction. Commonly used in grooving and
t he s hap ing of h a m m e r s t one S .

P e rmutation Interchange. T o change one thing f o r another.

P e r c u s s ion A method of s t r i k i n g with a p e r c u s s o r t o

Flaking detach flakes o r blades f r o m a c o r e o r m a s s .

Direct percussion flakinJHE ARCHEOLOGiCAL SOCICT'f OF SOUTH CAROL

INSTITUTE OF ARCHEQLOGY & A~,]THROPOLOG
 Term Definition

P e r c u s sion flaking includes v a r i e d techniques

t o r e m o v e flakes by e i t h e r impact, collision
o r concussion. (p. 81).

Percussor An implement used f o r striking. Includes

h a m m e r s , h a m m e r s t o n e s o r billets.

Perverse Fracture A h e l i c a l , s p i r a l o r twisting b r e a k initiated

a t the edge of a n objective piece. N a t u r a l
flaws, e x c e s s i v e f o r c e and m a s s t o be r e -
moved add t o the possibility of p e r v e r s e
f r a c t u r e . P r o d u c t i o n e r r o r s such a s s t e p
f r a c t u r e s m a y produce m o r e m a s s than plat-
forming and f o r c e can overcome. E n e r g y i s
then deflected into and through the m a s s of
the o b j e c t . . (p. 83).

Phylogeny The l i n e o r l i n e s of d i r e c t descent in a

given group.

Pick Long, n a r r o w , thick c o r e tool. P r o m i n e n t

k e e l on d o r s a l side and plano on v e n t r a l side.
Pointed on one o r both ends.

P l a n e of T h e splitting o r tendency t o split, along

Cleavage planes d e t e r m i n e d by c l y s t a l s t r u c t u r e , o r
by bedding planes in s e d i m e n t a r y r o c k s .
P a r a l l e l planes of weakness within the
s t r u c t u r e which de s t r o y the homogeneity
of the lithic m a t e r i a l .

P l a n e of T h e s u r f a c e on the v e n t r a l side of the flake

Fracture b e a r i n g the positive s c a r of the bulb of f o r c e )
the negative s c a r being on the c o r e o r stone
tsal.

P l a n o - convex F l a t on v e n t r a l s u r f a c e - curved on d o r s a l
s u r f a c e . Common t o unifacial a r t i f a c t s .

Platform The angle of the p l a t f o r m m e a s u r e d f r o m T h i s segment r o t a t e d backward

Angle the d o r s a l t o the v e n t r a l side. At right and t i l t e d up.

Pervesse fracture
83
 Term Definition
a n g l e s , o r l e s s t o the longitudinal a x i s .
Angle of p l a t f o r m on flake o r blade c o r -
responding with parenta1 platform angle
of c o r e .
Platform The table o r s u r f a c e a r e a receiving the
f o r c e n e c e s s a r y t o detach a flake o r blade.
Can be e i t h e r n a t u r a l o r p r e p a r e d . The
truncation of the cone p a r t .
Platform The grinding, polishing, faceting, beveling
Preparation of that p a r t of the p l a t f o r m t o r e c e i v e the
applied f o r c e . Usually done t o s t r e n g t h e n
the platform in o r d e r t o c a r r y off a l a r g e r
flake. See a l s o T u r n e d Edge, Grinding,
Polishing, F a c e t , Beveled E d g e .
P oint of P l a t f o r m p a r t o r cone truncation. A r e a
C ontact o the forceful meeting of p e r c u s s o r o r
c o m p r e s s o r and the objective piece.
P o l i s hing T o make smooth by rubbing with fine
a b r a s i v e m a t e r i a l . Strengthens the plat-
f o r m . C a n a l s o be the r e s u l t of function.
See Grinding. ( p . 6 7 ) .
Polyhedral C o r e b e a r i n g multiple blade s c a r s .
Core Generally cylindrical ( p . 55).
P o s i t i v e Bulb of Rounded (onion- shaped) protuberance
Force found on the v e n t r a l side of a flake o r
blade a t the p r o x i m a l end. Bulb i s p a r t
of the cone of f o r c e .
Posterior Bottom. Base. Opposite of a n t e r i o r .
P o t Lid A plano-convex flake leaving a concave s c a r .
P o t lids a r e the r e s u l t of differential expansion
and contsaction of i s o t r o p i c m a t e r i a l but a r e
minus the c o m p r e s s i o n rings of f o r c e lines
usually a s s o c i a t e d with t h e s e conditions.
Term Definition
Generally they a r e a n a t u r a l o c c u r r e n c e
r a t h e r t h a n intentional r e s u l t s of m a n - m a d e
f lake S .
Precision A p r e c i s i o n method of thinning by which the
Thinning w o r k e r controls the d i r e c t i o n and t e r m i n a t i o n
of the f l a k e s a t the m e d i a n l i i e of the a r t i f a c t
by applying e i t h e r the p a r a l l e l o r c o l l a t e r a l
flaking technique. F l a k e s a r e intentionally
t e r m i n a t e d in a hinge o r s t e p f r a c t u r e a t the
m e d i a n line t o allow flakes detached f r o m the
opposite m a r g i n t o m e e t and i n t e r s e c t t h e s e
hinge f r a c t u r e S .
Preform P r e f o r m i n g denotes the f i r s t shaping. P r e f o r m
i s a n unfinished, unused f o r m of the proposed
a r t i f a c t . It i s l a r g e r than, and without the
refinement of, the completed tool. It i s thick,
with deep bulbar s c a r s , h a s i r r e g u l a r e d g e s ,
and n o m e a n s of hafting. G e n e r a l l y m a d e b y
d i r e c t p e r c u s s i o n . Not t o be confused with a
"blank. ' I
Prehistoric T h e s c i e n c e of knowledge of forming stone
Lithic into u s e f u l cutting, chopping, and other
T e chnology functional i m p l e m e n t s , c o m p r i s e d of two
f a c t o r s - the methods and the technique. S e e
Method and T e c h n i q u ~ .
Pressure P r o c e s s of f o r m i n g and sharpening stone by
Flaking removing s u r p l u s m a t e r i a l - in the f o r m of
flakes - f r o m the a r t i f a c t b y a p r e s s i n g f o r c e
r a t h e r than b y p e r c u s sion. T h e r e a r e v a r i o u s
individual technique s of p r e s s u r e flaking .
Primary Remova1 of i r r e g u l a r i t i e s on the a r t i f a c t by
Retouch the p r e s s u r e technique t o m a k e the piece
r e a d y f o r the second retouch.
 Term De finition

P r i m i t ive P e r t a i n i n g t o the beginning o r origin o r t o

e a r l y t i m e s . Original, f i r s t , p r i m a r y ,
primordial.

Prismatic Long n a r r o w specialized flake with p a r a -

Blade l l e l s i d e s . C e n e r a l l y triangulate o r t s a p -
ezoidal i n section and bearing two o r t h r e e
p r i s m - l i k e f a c e t s on the d o r s a l side. A s s o c - 2 . Less regular p a r a l l e l
1. Very regular p a r a l l e l
iated with blades removed f r o m a polyhedral
core.

Projectile S p e a r point, d a r t point o r arrowpolnt. A n

P oint a r r o w h e a d m a y be unpointed Qrt r a n s v e r s e .
(P*8 7 ) .
Promontory See Isolated P l a t f o r m .

Pseudoburin F l a k e f r a g m e n t exhibiting right angle edge,

s i m i l a r to those produced by the s e m o v a l o
b u r i n s p a l l s , but not presenting the t y p i c a l
b u r i n concavity, o r the negative bulb force.

Pseudotosls See Naturefacts. 4 . Collateral 5. Random o r non-

3 . Diagonal p a r a l l e l
o r oblique p a t t erned
Punch An i n t e r m e d i a t e to01 of a n t l e r , bone, wood,
m e t a l o r stone used in the p e r c u s s i o n t e c h -
nique. The punch i s placed on the objective
piece and r e c e i v e s the blow f r o m the p e r c u s s o r .

Punch A method of applying p e r c u s s i o n f o r c e t o a n

T e chnique i n t e r m e d i a t e to01 (punch). (p. 88).

Random Flaking Multi-directional, mubtiform and without

o r d e r f o r making the a r t i f a c t r e g u l a r in
f o r m . Used without f u r t h e r xefinement
o r a stage of p r i m a r y retouch p r i o r t o
p r e c i s i o n flaking. (p. 87).

Re c oil 6 . Flute o r channel 7. Double diagonal or

Rebound. R e c o v e r y f r o m the shock due t o
f l a k e scar chevron
the sudden application of force. Does not
exceed e l a s t i e l i m i t of m a t e r i a l .

Idealized p r o j e c t i l e points showing

v a r i e t i e s of pressure flaking

87
 Term Definitioai

Re juvenate T O renovate, renew, r e s t o r e , r e - c r e a t e , o r

r e - e s t a b l i s h . An example would be blade
c o r e p l a t f o r m rejuvenation: a p r o c e s s by
which the exhausted o r ruined p l a t f o r m wcauld
be removed a s a t a b u l a r flake t h e r e b y e s t a b -
lishing a new platform.

Residual Gore An amorphous c o r e without definite f o r m ,

having the p l a t f o r m a r e a exhausted. B e a r s
s c a r s denoting the r e m o v a l of flakes o r
blade S .

Ret ouching A technique used t o thin, s t r a i g h t e n , s h a r p e n ,

smooth and make the a r t i f a c t m o r e r e g u l a r
i n f o r m . G e n e r a l l y involves the u s e of p r e s -
s u r e in one o r m o r e s t a g e s . Retouching
usually follows p e r c u s s i o n p r e f o r m i n g . Before
p r e c i s i o n p r e s s u r e work m a y be accomplished,
one m u s t f i r s t r e m o v e a11 i r r e g u l a r i t i e s on
the objective piece by a p r i m a r y retouch and
then do a s e c o n d a r y retouch.

Ridge A projection. T h e i n t e r s e c t i o n of two s u r f a c e s

forming a s a l i e n t angle. The m e d i a n longi-
tudinal l i n e s of a n a r t i f a c t which i s rhomboidal
i n t r a n s v e r s e section. Long c r e s t , o r spine,
either natural or formed by unifacial or bi-
f a c i a l flaking. G e n e r a l l y used t o guide the
blade f r o m the c o r e .

Ripple Wave s appearing on the plane of f r a c t u r e .

C o m p r e s s i o n r i n g s . C h a r a c t e r i s t i c of solids
which have the p r o p e r t i e s of v i s c o u s liquid.

S alient Bulb A bulb of f o r c e having good definition of the

cone p a r t . Indicating a confined contact f o r c e .
(p. 44, 45 & 53).

S and s t one A s e d i m e n t a r y r o c k composed of sand and

bonding m i n e r a l . G e n e r a l l y used f o r grinding
and polishing. V e r y compact and homogeneous

Punch technique o r intermediate to01

88
 Term Definition

v a r i e t i e s can be f o r m e d into v a r i o u s a r t i f a c t s
by p e r c u s s i o n flaking.

S c a l a r Flaking A technique which produces i r r e g u l a r ex-

panding, overlapping flake s c a r s which
r e s e m b l e s c a l e s . M a y b e the r e s u l t of
p r e s s u r e or percussion.

Seriation Gradation f r o m e a r l y f o r m s t o l a t e r f o r m s
i n lithic manufacture.

Serrating Indenting the edges by alternating the remova1

of flakes; o r the repeating of notches a t r e g -
u l a r i n t e r v a l s . See Denticulation.

Shearing Technique of turning the edge by wiping a

r o d - l i k e p r e s s u r e to01 along the m a r g i n
while p r e s s i n g inward. Rapid method of
platform p r e p a r a t i o n p r i o r t o p r e s s u r e
flaking .
Shearing of Cone S e e Split Cone Technique. (p. 91).

Shear Stress T o s e v e r f r o m opposing f o r c e s .

Side View The l a t e r a l edge o r m a r g i n of the a r t i f a c t

when i t i s held horizontal t o the viewer.

Side S c r a p e r Implement with beveling on one o r m o r e

m a r g i n s of a flake o r blade t o obtain a
s t r o n g cutting edge.

Silex A t e r m commonly used t o define Old World

r o c k s of a siliceous o r chalcedonic n a t u r e .
X- s e c t i o n
P o s s i b l y derived f r o m the F r e n c h word
silex - f l f l i n t . Not t o be confused with a
t r a d e n a m e of a manufactured g l a s s .

Silice ous Of o r pertaining t o s i l i c a . High s i l i c a

content.

Sheared cone and X-section

91
 Term Definition
Term Definition

Step F r a c t u r e A flake o r flake s c a r t h a t t e r m i n a t e s

Silicification The introduction of o r r e p l a c e m e n t by
abruptly i n a right angle b r e a k a t the
silica.
point of truncation. Caused by a d i s -
sipation of f o r c e o r the collapse of the
Silicified Slate Slate with a high s i l i c a content causing
i t t o be much h a r d e r than n o r m a l . flake. (p. 6 3 ) .

Strangled Intentional flaking d i r e c t l y opposite on

S inu ou s Snake-like, alternating o r wavy. Margins
Flake o r both m a r g i n s t o m a k e a c o n s t r i c t i o n o r
of a r t i f a c t s a r e m a d e sinuous by removing
B lade narrowing.
f l a k e s a l t e r n a t d y f r o m the l a t e r a l edges.
Strengthened A p l a t f o r m which h a s been strengthened
Slate Metamorphosed fine-grained s e d i m e n t s with
Platform by providing a g r e a t e r a r e a t o r e c e i v e the
well-defined cleavage. A r t i f a c t s a r e usually
applied f o r c e , o r made s t r o n g e r by
f o r m e d by grinding r a t h e r than by flaking.
polishing a n isolated platform. See
Platform Preparation.
Snapping 1) A method of producing a t r a n s ~ r e r s e
f r a c t u r e t o s e v e r flakes o r blades. Pi-es-
Summit Protuberance. High point. Apex. See
s u r e o r p e r c u s s i o n f o r c e i s applied f r o m
Crest.
the v e n t r a l toward the d o r s a l side.
2 ) May a l s o be accomplished by finger Tabular Core C o r e type r e s e m b l i n g a t a b l e t , g e n e r a l l y
pressure.
bi-directional. (p. 39).
S olifluction The p r o c e s s o slow movement of w a t e r -
T ang A b a s a l projection. See B a r b .
s a t u r a t e d ground m a s s e s f r o m higher t o
lower levels. Movements of e a r t h m a y
T a x on om y Science of s y s t e m a t i c s . A r r a n g e m e n t and
c a u s e "naturefacts " t o be formed.
c l a s s i f i c a t i o n according t o relationship.
Spall See Flake.
Technological T e chnique s which have diagnostic value
Attribute s showing modes of manufacture, c h a r a c t e r -
Split Cone At p r e s e n t , the technique i s enigmatic but
i s t i c t r a i t s , and p a t t e r n s of human behavior.
T e chnique h a s been observed on a r t i f a c t s found i n
e . g. , grinding o r p e r c u s s i o n flaking. See
c-obble implement i n d u s t r i e s which have had
Attribute of Technology.
l a r g e e x t e r i o r flakes removed f r o m the cobble I s
s u r f a c e . T h e s e flakes have n o visible bulb of
T e chnique T h e word I1technique" applied t o stone to01
f o r c e , the r e s u l t of the w o r k e r using the anvil
technique and splitting the cone of f o r c e . T h i s manufacture denotes the method, execution,
p e r f o r m a n c e o r manipulation of a definite
technique h a s been noted by C h a r l e s Boi-den
p r a c t i c e of forming lithic m a t e r i a l but r e -
on the F r a s e r R i v e r a r t i f a c t s and by o t h e r s .
flecting distinct flaking c h a r a c t e r and pat-
( P * 41 & 91). t e r n s and displaying technological a t t r i b u t e s .
T h e making, f a b r i c a t i o n o r p r e p a r a t i o n of.
Spur See Beak.
stone tools under c e r t a i n identifiable conditions .
 Term Definition
Example: blademaking, p e r s e , i s not a
technique. But blades made by simulated
conditions r e p r e s e n t e d by var.ities of plat-
f o r m p r e p a r a t i o n , d e g r e e s and kinds of
f o r c e , angles of f o r c e , r e s t s o r anvils,
r h y t h m s and m u s c u l a r m o t o r habits, and
diversified fabrication implements will
r e p r e s e n t a technique.
T e chnology The study of techniques. Science of studying
and i n t e r p r e t i n g the combined o r distinct.
a t t r i b u t e s of individual technique S. Implie s
a s y s t e m a t i c c o n t r o l of minute and distin-
guishable detail.
Tenacity Resistance t o fracture. Example: jade.
Thermal Method of a l t e r i n g siliceous m a t e r i a l s by
Treatment e x p o s u r e t o controlled heat. S h i s t r e a t m e n t
m a k e s the stone m o r e v i t r e o u s .
Thickne s s M e a s u r e m e n t of the d e n s e n e s s between the
d o r s a l and v e n t r a l s i d e s .
T hinning F l a k e s removed f r o m a p r e f o r m e i t h e r by
Flakes p r e s s u r e o r p e r c u s s i o n t o thin the piece f o r
a r t i f a c t manufacture. Thinning flake s a r e
a l s o removed t o thin a biface o r a uniface.
Usually shows s p e c i a l p l a t f o r m p r e p a r a t i o n .
(P- 96).
T ipping The technique of making a tip o r point on the
d i s t a l end of a n a r t i f a c t . S e v e r a l methods
m a y be used t o accomplish t h i s .
Top of C o r e P r o x i m a l o r p l a t f o r m p a r t of the c o r e .
Tradition E s t a b l i s h e d custom. H i s t o r i c style.
Term Definition
T r a j e c t o r y of C u r v e o r s t r a i g h t n e s s a t which f o r c e i s
Force applied t o the objective piece.
Trajectory C u r v e o r f l a t n e s s of flake and flake s c a r .
o F r a c t u r e
T r a n c h e t Blow Technique of s t r i k i n g t o s h a r p e n o r r e s h a r p e n
c l e a v e r s and handaxes. Blow i s s t r u c k obliquely
t o the m a r g i n a l edge t o r e m o v e a flake c r o s s w i s e
and a t right angles t o the m a i n a x i s of the tool,
leaving a s h a r p t r a n s v e r s e edge.
( P * 96).
Transverse Crosswise.
Transverse P a r a l l e l flaking d i r e c t e d horizontally t o the
Flaking long a x i s of the a r t i f a c t and meeting a t the
m e d i a n line. (p. 8 7 ) .
Transverse Old World points made f r o m a section of blade
Projectiles with the l a t e r a l m a r g i n s e r v i n g a s the tip of
the p r o j e c t i l e o r a r r o w h e a d . When employed,
they cause profuse h e m o r r h a g i n g .
Transverse T h e a r e a bounded by and between the l a t e r a l
Section margins.
T r ough D e p r e s s i o n o r hollow between c r e s t s . Low
point between flake o r blade s c a r s . Channel
s c a r left by flake o r blade remova1 leaving
a concavity f r o m the p r o x i m a l t o the d i s t a l
end of the plane of f r a c t u r e . Single t r o u g h
i s known a s a flute.
T runcation Cutting s h o r t o r cutting off; i. e. , t r u n c a t e d
cone, t r u n c a t e d blade, t r a n s v e r s e truncation.
T u r n e d Edge Marginal edge t h a t h a s b e e n beveled by
s h e a r i n g o r remova1 of multiple flakes by
p r e s s u r e o r p e r c u s sion. See Beveled Edge.
 Term Definition

Science of classifying stone t o o l s by f o r m ,

technique s and technological t r a i t s .
Must
include duplication of the technique by f i r s t
observing the intentional f o r m , then r e c o n -
s t r u c t i n g o r replicating the to01 i n the exact
o r d e r of the aboriginal workman. Shows
e l e m e n t s of culture. Typology cannot be
based on function.

Undulat ions S i m i l a r t o c o m p r e s s i o n r i n g s and rippling.

G ommon t o blade s when the downward and
outward f o r c e s a r e not equalized.

Unidire ctional C o r e showing t h a t flakes o r blades w e r e

Core removed f r o m one p l a t f o r m s u r f a c e and in
only one direction. (p. 55).

Unidirectional S c a r on a c o r e denoting t h a t f o r c e w a s applied

Thinning flake scars F l a k e o r Blade i n one d i r e c t i o n only. The l a t e r a l m a r g i n s of
Scar t h e s e s c a r s i n t e r s e c t previously removed flake
o r blade s c a r S .

Tranchet blow cleaver Uniface A r t i f a c t flaked on one s u r f a c e only.

Unifacial Objective piece b e a r i n g flake o r blade s c a r s

on one s u r f a c e only.

Unilate r a1 A type of diagonal flaking made by bending

Parallel the bladelets f r o m one edge t o the other
Flaking and t e r m i n a t i n g t h e m by feathering before
they r e a c h the opposite edge. May be m a d e
by e i t h e r p a l m o r finger holding of the ob-
jective piece.

Unpatterned See Random Flaking. (p. 87).

Flaking

Ventral P l a n o side o r innkr s u r f a c e of flake o r blade.

T h e under s u r f a c e .
 Term

Vertex The top, turning point, zenith, o r highest

p oint .
Visible Side The a p p a r e n t face of the a r t i f a c t . The
upward, visible face.

Vitreous Having the n e a r l u s t e r and t e x t u r e of g l a s s .

Waste F l a k e s D i s c a r d e d flakes not suitable f o r function.

Usually resulting f r o m p l a t f o r m p r e p a r a t l o n ,
t r i m m i n g , removing of c o r t e x , and d i s c a r d e d
non-homogeneous p a r t s . e e D e b r i s .

ADDENDA

Force The quantity of e n e r g y o r power e x e r t e d by a

a moving body; power e x e r t e d ; c o m p u l s o r y
power; e n e r g y e x e r t e d t o move another body
f r o m a s t a t e of i n e r t i a .

T h e w o r k e r c a n a l t e r the c h a r a c t e r of levering
f o r c e by slowing o r a c c e l e r a t i n g the action but
t h i s does not a l t e r the amount of f o r c e f o r the
m o r e intense the f o r c e the slower and m o r e
limited i t s action.

Fracture I r r e g u l a r s u r f a c e produced by breaking a

m i n e r a l a c r o s s a s distinguished f r o m split-
ting it along the planes of cleavage.

Shock A condition established in the lithic m a t e r i a l

t o counteract the s t r e s s e s and s t r a i n s induced
by the applied f o r c e .

S plit T o divide longitudinally o r otherwise; t o c l e a v e ,

t o s e p a r a t e o r p a r t by f o r c e .

Wave An undulation on the s u r f a c e resulting f r o m

the component p a r t i c l e s of the lithic m a t e r i a l
belirig d i s t u r b e d b y f o r c e ; t o r a i s e i r r e g u l a r -
i t i e s of the s u r f a c e .
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