Chert vs quartzite edge reduction using a mechanical device and its relevance to lithic raw material variability, selection and use

Summary

Lithic raw materials diversity in archaeological assemblages is used to address a multiplicity of fundamental questions concerning the evolution of human behavior. Technological systems are considered to be the result of conscious human choices, likely related to different types of rocks characteristics, performance and effectiveness. To test this model, we developed an experimental program using hand-knapped standardized blades on quartzite and chert in an upgraded version of a mechanical device, in order to improve experimental controlled conditions. The differences between the performances of these two raw materials bring insights into why they systematically make two completely distinct tool-kits in periods such as the Upper Palaeolithic.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)   •
• Controlled Experiments in Lithic Technology and Function

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 16294