2011•ePrints Soton (University of Southampton)Requires access
Knapping skill, percussion dynamics and flake characteristics: recognition of expertise in simple flake-core technologies
F.F. Wenban-Smith, Blandine Bril, Gilles Dietrich, Robert Rein, Tetsushi Nonaka, Robert L. Devaney, Jarrett Steele
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Abstract
This paper presents the results of a new approach to investigation of the relationships between stone knapping kinematics (covering motion, speed and kinetic energy of the percussive act), knapping expertise and characteristics of resulting debitage. It introduces wholly new methods of lithic analysis, leading to empirical recognition of knapping skill and cognitive appreciation of flint-fracture characteristics in lithic debitage from simple flake-core technologies. The methods have clear applicability in investigation of early hominin cognitive capabilities