Pub Date : 2023-02-20DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2023.2179768
David K. Thulman, Brendan Fenerty
{"title":"A Simple Experiment Challenges the Inference that Macro-fractures on Chipped-stone Tools are Clear Evidence of High-Velocity Impacts","authors":"David K. Thulman, Brendan Fenerty","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2023.2179768","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2023.2179768","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2023-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48531557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-02-20DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2023.2178767
E. P. Wilson, D. Stout, Cheng Liu, M. B. Kilgore, J. Pargeter
ABSTRACT The Oldowan is the archaeological record’s oldest consistent evidence of hominin technical behavior. First appearing ∼2.6 Ma in East Africa, the Oldowan is characterized by simple core and flake technology using direct hard hammer percussion. Archaeologists debate whether Oldowan assemblages are uniform and what role hominin cultural abilities played in generating these assemblages. To improve existing methods for studying Oldowan technical uniformity, we conducted experiments involving 23 novices and one expert knapper. Subjects made simple stone tools under two different instructional conditions (observation-only and direct active instruction) over two hours. We used the resulting cores to track flaking efficiency, reduction intensity, and knapping errors. We find significant differences in the expert and novice core uniformity. Direct active teaching increased core flaking efficiency and reduced knapping errors. Comparisons between our experimental results and an Oldowan sample from Gona, Ethiopia, show core variability patterns that match our expert and actively taught novices.
{"title":"Skill and Core Uniformity: An Experiment with Oldowan-like Flaking Systems","authors":"E. P. Wilson, D. Stout, Cheng Liu, M. B. Kilgore, J. Pargeter","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2023.2178767","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2023.2178767","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The Oldowan is the archaeological record’s oldest consistent evidence of hominin technical behavior. First appearing ∼2.6 Ma in East Africa, the Oldowan is characterized by simple core and flake technology using direct hard hammer percussion. Archaeologists debate whether Oldowan assemblages are uniform and what role hominin cultural abilities played in generating these assemblages. To improve existing methods for studying Oldowan technical uniformity, we conducted experiments involving 23 novices and one expert knapper. Subjects made simple stone tools under two different instructional conditions (observation-only and direct active instruction) over two hours. We used the resulting cores to track flaking efficiency, reduction intensity, and knapping errors. We find significant differences in the expert and novice core uniformity. Direct active teaching increased core flaking efficiency and reduced knapping errors. Comparisons between our experimental results and an Oldowan sample from Gona, Ethiopia, show core variability patterns that match our expert and actively taught novices.","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2023-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43438623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-01-29DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2023.2168909
Pablo G. Messineo, Florencia Santos Valero
{"title":"Technological and Social Strategies for the Acquisition and Exploitation of Long-Distance Lithic Raw Materials in the Central Pampean Dunefields of Argentina","authors":"Pablo G. Messineo, Florencia Santos Valero","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2023.2168909","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2023.2168909","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2023-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48217155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-01-04DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2022.2162234
M. Eren, G. L. Miller, B. Story, Michael Wilson, Michelle R. Bebber, Briggs Buchanan
{"title":"North American Clovis Point Form and Performance IV: An Experimental Assessment of Knife Edge Effectiveness and Wear","authors":"M. Eren, G. L. Miller, B. Story, Michael Wilson, Michelle R. Bebber, Briggs Buchanan","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2022.2162234","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2022.2162234","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2023-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45463066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-12-22DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2022.2158591
Matt Blessing, N. Conard, Manuel Will
ABSTRACT The concept of standardization has been applied in archaeological research as a proxy measure for cognitive and behavioral complexity since the late nineteenth century. Here we evaluate these issues in the context of the Middle Stone Age (MSA) examining microlithic technology and laminar blanks and their corresponding core reduction and tool assemblages from the Howiesons Poort (HP) and Sibhudan from Sibhudu (South Africa). We find both standardization and variability among different techno-typological components of these technocomplexes. Similar degrees of standardization characterize the metrics of the bladelet assemblages in the Sibhudan and the backed pieces in the HP, but they remain much more variable than products from craft specialists. We argue for a careful interpretation of standardization in lithic technology taking into account factors like raw material, technological redundancy, site use patterns, functionality and tool biographies. Standardization in lithic tools per se is not an ideal proxy measure for behavioral complexity.
{"title":"Lithic Standardization and Behavioral Complexity in the Middle Stone Age – A Case Study From Sibhudu, South Africa","authors":"Matt Blessing, N. Conard, Manuel Will","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2022.2158591","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2022.2158591","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The concept of standardization has been applied in archaeological research as a proxy measure for cognitive and behavioral complexity since the late nineteenth century. Here we evaluate these issues in the context of the Middle Stone Age (MSA) examining microlithic technology and laminar blanks and their corresponding core reduction and tool assemblages from the Howiesons Poort (HP) and Sibhudan from Sibhudu (South Africa). We find both standardization and variability among different techno-typological components of these technocomplexes. Similar degrees of standardization characterize the metrics of the bladelet assemblages in the Sibhudan and the backed pieces in the HP, but they remain much more variable than products from craft specialists. We argue for a careful interpretation of standardization in lithic technology taking into account factors like raw material, technological redundancy, site use patterns, functionality and tool biographies. Standardization in lithic tools per se is not an ideal proxy measure for behavioral complexity.","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2022-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49591901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-12-22DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2022.2155905
M. Caruana, Coen G. Wilson, Alex F. Blackwood, A. Herries
ABSTRACT Tracing the acquisition of knapping skill in the Acheulian technocomplex is complicated by incomplete records of lithic production. Some studies have turned attention to examining knapping errors as a means of identifying signatures of toolmaking expertise in the deep past. Such insights have recently been applied to handaxes from the Area 1 spring eye at Amanzi Springs, which have suggested this locality functioned as a Large Cutting Tool workshop. Here we extend our analysis to handaxes from the Surfaces 2/3 (∼530–480 ka), Surface 1, and Cutting 5 (<480–408 ka) excavation areas within the Area 2 spring eye, which focuses on the development and frequency of step and hinge fractures and the management of cross-sectional shape. We identify differences in both the flaking strategies and the mitigation of knapping errors that demonstrate a gradual adaptation to local quartzite raw material and the acquisition of technological skill through time.
{"title":"Mitigating Mishaps: Diachronic Trends in Handaxe Shaping and Knapping Error Management at Amanzi Springs Area 2 (Eastern Cape, South Africa)","authors":"M. Caruana, Coen G. Wilson, Alex F. Blackwood, A. Herries","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2022.2155905","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2022.2155905","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Tracing the acquisition of knapping skill in the Acheulian technocomplex is complicated by incomplete records of lithic production. Some studies have turned attention to examining knapping errors as a means of identifying signatures of toolmaking expertise in the deep past. Such insights have recently been applied to handaxes from the Area 1 spring eye at Amanzi Springs, which have suggested this locality functioned as a Large Cutting Tool workshop. Here we extend our analysis to handaxes from the Surfaces 2/3 (∼530–480 ka), Surface 1, and Cutting 5 (<480–408 ka) excavation areas within the Area 2 spring eye, which focuses on the development and frequency of step and hinge fractures and the management of cross-sectional shape. We identify differences in both the flaking strategies and the mitigation of knapping errors that demonstrate a gradual adaptation to local quartzite raw material and the acquisition of technological skill through time.","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2022-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49622493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-12-15DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2022.2155373
M. Eren, Michelle R. Bebber, M. Wendel, G. Logan Miller, Briggs Buchanan
ABSTRACT Two Paleoindian fluted points were recently donated to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The first is a Clovis point from Nuckolls County, Nebraska; the second is a Folsom point from Scott County, Illinois. Here, following our earlier and ongoing efforts to work with avocational archaeologists, citizen scientists, and collectors, we describe these points, compare their morphometrics to Clovis and Folsom points across North America, and report on their microwear. Our results support prevailing views and contain nothing anomalous. However, the data and descriptions we provide may be of potential use to researchers conducting larger state-, regional-, or continental-scale analyses.
{"title":"Description, Morphometrics, and Microwear of Two Paleoindian Fluted Points from Nebraska and Illinois","authors":"M. Eren, Michelle R. Bebber, M. Wendel, G. Logan Miller, Briggs Buchanan","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2022.2155373","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2022.2155373","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Two Paleoindian fluted points were recently donated to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The first is a Clovis point from Nuckolls County, Nebraska; the second is a Folsom point from Scott County, Illinois. Here, following our earlier and ongoing efforts to work with avocational archaeologists, citizen scientists, and collectors, we describe these points, compare their morphometrics to Clovis and Folsom points across North America, and report on their microwear. Our results support prevailing views and contain nothing anomalous. However, the data and descriptions we provide may be of potential use to researchers conducting larger state-, regional-, or continental-scale analyses.","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":"48 1","pages":"318 - 326"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2022-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41828915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-11-30DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2022.2150398
Hao Li, M. Lotter
ABSTRACT Geometric morphometric studies in the Baise Basin in South China have documented unique tongue-like tip morphologies in handaxes sampled from the fourth terrace of the Youjiang River Valley. With this study, we report on a new handaxe assemblage found at the Natang site and present data that further document the prevalence of these rounded tip morphologies in the region. We use experimental replications to recreate the unique morphology of the handaxes, and demonstrate that a specific tip rounding strategy was employed by hominins as an economic and effective way to produce wider, more rounded and thinner distal tips. We suggest that these tongue-like tips indicate a predetermined design, and consequently, reflect a level of shape standardization that is heightened in functional tool portions. Moreover, this study provides further documentation of the regionally unique tool-making preferences that Pleistocene hominins employed when flexibly adapting to local environmental conditions and resource availabilities.
{"title":"“Tip of the Tongue”: Experimental Reconstruction of Handaxes at the Baise Basin (South China) and Implications for Lithic Standardization","authors":"Hao Li, M. Lotter","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2022.2150398","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2022.2150398","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Geometric morphometric studies in the Baise Basin in South China have documented unique tongue-like tip morphologies in handaxes sampled from the fourth terrace of the Youjiang River Valley. With this study, we report on a new handaxe assemblage found at the Natang site and present data that further document the prevalence of these rounded tip morphologies in the region. We use experimental replications to recreate the unique morphology of the handaxes, and demonstrate that a specific tip rounding strategy was employed by hominins as an economic and effective way to produce wider, more rounded and thinner distal tips. We suggest that these tongue-like tips indicate a predetermined design, and consequently, reflect a level of shape standardization that is heightened in functional tool portions. Moreover, this study provides further documentation of the regionally unique tool-making preferences that Pleistocene hominins employed when flexibly adapting to local environmental conditions and resource availabilities.","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":"48 1","pages":"307 - 317"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2022-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42678485","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-11-16DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2022.2142391
W. Stemp
ABSTRACT This paper is a revised and updated version of the keynote speaker address for the Block 2 Session: “Data Acquisition in Surface Texture Analysis” for the Online Workshop on Quantitative Artifact Microwear Analysis (QAMA) organized by TraCEr–MONREPOS–RGZM (November 25, 2021) in Neuwied, Germany. It discusses a number of issues related to the acquisition of surface data for texture analysis, including the transition from experimentation to artifact analysis and the importance of standardization of methods. Specifically, the keynote address focuses on eight sub-topics in relation to method development and standardization: (1) Microscopes and operating systems, (2) Magnification, depth of field, working distance, and field of view, (3) Numerical aperture, (4) Cleaning methods, (5) Number and location of surface measurements, (6) Profile versus area measurements, (7) Multiple measurements in the same location, and (8) Surface replication: molds/casts, surface images, and microCT.
{"title":"Ghosts in the Room and Elephants in the Machine: Data Acquisition in Surface Texture Analysis of Stone Tools","authors":"W. Stemp","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2022.2142391","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2022.2142391","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This paper is a revised and updated version of the keynote speaker address for the Block 2 Session: “Data Acquisition in Surface Texture Analysis” for the Online Workshop on Quantitative Artifact Microwear Analysis (QAMA) organized by TraCEr–MONREPOS–RGZM (November 25, 2021) in Neuwied, Germany. It discusses a number of issues related to the acquisition of surface data for texture analysis, including the transition from experimentation to artifact analysis and the importance of standardization of methods. Specifically, the keynote address focuses on eight sub-topics in relation to method development and standardization: (1) Microscopes and operating systems, (2) Magnification, depth of field, working distance, and field of view, (3) Numerical aperture, (4) Cleaning methods, (5) Number and location of surface measurements, (6) Profile versus area measurements, (7) Multiple measurements in the same location, and (8) Surface replication: molds/casts, surface images, and microCT.","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":"48 1","pages":"291 - 306"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2022-11-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43437486","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-11-10DOI: 10.1080/01977261.2022.2142386
K. Akhilesh, S. Pappu
ABSTRACT South Asian prehistoric sites have rich and diverse lithic assemblages. The paucity of associated fossil evidence necessitates a strong focus on lithics for studies of hominin cognition. However, pedagogical approaches in Indian prehistory primarily focus on print/online content, wherein students get scarce opportunities to handle artefacts or experience processes of tool manufacture and use. Here, we discuss our initiatives in designing courses on South Asian prehistory focused on experimental knapping and structured to enhance skills and foster critical thinking. We present an overview of the conceptual and methodological approaches adopted, with implications for experimenting with different pedagogical approaches and exploring learning trajectories. We highlight issues of interest not only for the present and future but also for exploring aspects of knowledge transmission in the past. We advocate for the inclusion of sustained experimental components whilst teaching prehistory in South Asia.
{"title":"Let’s Knap: Experiences in Teaching Lithic Studies in South Asia","authors":"K. Akhilesh, S. Pappu","doi":"10.1080/01977261.2022.2142386","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/01977261.2022.2142386","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT South Asian prehistoric sites have rich and diverse lithic assemblages. The paucity of associated fossil evidence necessitates a strong focus on lithics for studies of hominin cognition. However, pedagogical approaches in Indian prehistory primarily focus on print/online content, wherein students get scarce opportunities to handle artefacts or experience processes of tool manufacture and use. Here, we discuss our initiatives in designing courses on South Asian prehistory focused on experimental knapping and structured to enhance skills and foster critical thinking. We present an overview of the conceptual and methodological approaches adopted, with implications for experimenting with different pedagogical approaches and exploring learning trajectories. We highlight issues of interest not only for the present and future but also for exploring aspects of knowledge transmission in the past. We advocate for the inclusion of sustained experimental components whilst teaching prehistory in South Asia.","PeriodicalId":45597,"journal":{"name":"Lithic Technology","volume":"48 1","pages":"278 - 290"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2022-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"59141002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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