Lithic flake

Abstract: Studies have long noted the influence of stone package size and reduction intensity on lithic assemblage composition, particularly in the form of flake size distributions. However, it remains difficult to distinguish objectively the effect of either factor in archaeological contexts without controlling for the variation in one of the two variables. Here we report on an experimental study designed to test the null hypotheses that original stone size and reduction intensity have no impact on the size distribution of lithic flake debris produced during core reduction. Results indicate statistically significant influence from original stone size but not reduction intensity, although the effects from the former are low enough to be considered trivial. In reviewing a sequence of archaeological assemblages from a Middle Paleolithic site, all exhibit an excess of smallsized materials in comparison to the experimental data. When exceptionally high frequencies of the smaller size classes occur, taphonomic processes are clearly responsible.

Abstract: In 1976-77, archaeological explorations of cave sites were undertaken at the limestone formation area of Penablanca, Cagayan Province, Northern Luzon, Philippines to search for Palaeolithic sites. The explorations resulted in the discovery of 78 caves and rockshelters, 43 of which contained archaeological materials on their floor surfaces. The materials recovered range from Palaeolithic flake and cobble tools to stoneware sherds of Chinese provenance. Subsequent archaeological excavations were carried out in a number of caves to determine the extent of the Palaeolithic industry (ies) in the area, both spatially and temporally, and to try to explicate the structure of the Palaeolithic industry(ies) there by employing technological and functional analyses on the lithic materials recovered. The purpose of this paper is to

Abstract: The paper focuses on the distinction between early hominids and modern non-human captive primates with particular reference to the lithic tool production, i. e. fundamental fracture patterning on the core and flake surfaces.The earliest lithic tool from West Gona site, Afar, Ethiopia shows that the flaking scars or negative flake surfaces are extended to the central part of the core. Together with another early Oldowan industries, the lithic tool characterlistic of early hominids can be summarized as a harmonious combination of large, medium, and small flake negatives on a given tool. On the contrary, lithic tools made by a captive Bonobo chimpanzee represent mostly flaked marginally around a core periphery; and detached flakes are also small.It is, therefore, possible to hypothesize that the critical argument of distinctive criterion between “Man the tool-maler” and “Pan the tool-maker” lies in the production of lithic flake and it's use, on the basis of phylogenetic relations. Additionally, intermediate character of long-bone fracture using hammer stone by captive chimpanzees, in the setting of nut-cracking and the stone flaking, is also discussed.