An Examination of Indirect Percussion Knapping Tools in Texas: Experimentation, Observations, and Analytical Implications

Summary

This is an abstract from the "What’s Going on in Texas? Current Topics in Texas Archaeology" session, at the 90th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

As part of flintknapping experimental design, archeologists must consider raw materials and knapping tools that best replicate those used in the production of the artifacts being studied. While conducting research on indirect percussion as a reduction method in Texas lithic assemblages, a collections and literature review revealed numerous antler artifacts thought to be used for indirect percussion knapping. Variously called punches, drifts, and antler cylinders, this presentation provides an overview of these implements from numerous sites and contexts across the state and evaluates their effectiveness as tools used for indirect percussion. Flintknapping experiments were performed as part of the study using replicas of the antler artifacts for biface manufacture. For comparison, a series of direct percussion biface experiments was also conducted. Use-wear generated during the experiments was documented and use-techniques are proposed based on the form and efficacy of the replicated punches. Initial results of this study reveal notable use-wear similarities between punch replicas and artifacts supporting their use as flintknapping tools. In addition, experimental bifaces attained higher width to thickness ratios using indirect percussion and debitage platforms clustered smaller when compared to direct percussion.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 90th Annual Meeting, Denver, CO (2025)   •
• What’s Going on in Texas? Current Topics in Texas Archaeology

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 52158