Lithic flake

Lithic Flake

A lithic flake is a type of stone tool that is created by striking a piece of rock, known as a core, in a controlled manner to produce a sharp-edged fragment. This process is known as knapping, and it is a fundamental technique in the production of stone tools used by prehistoric humans and other hominins.

1. 1. Characteristics

Lithic flakes are characterized by several features that are indicative of the knapping process:

- Platform: The area on the flake where the force was applied to detach it from the core. It is often flat and may show signs of preparation, such as grinding or trimming. - Bulb of Percussion: A bulge on the ventral (inner) surface of the flake, directly below the platform, caused by the force of the blow. - Ripples: Concentric waves that radiate from the bulb of percussion, indicating the direction of force. - Cortex: The outer surface of the original rock, which may be present on the dorsal (outer) surface of the flake if it was near the surface of the core.

1. 1. Types of Lithic Flakes

Lithic flakes can be classified into several types based on their size, shape, and the method of production:

- Primary Flakes: These flakes have a significant amount of cortex on their dorsal surface and are among the first removed from a core. - Secondary Flakes: These have less cortex and are removed after the primary flakes. - Tertiary Flakes: These flakes have no cortex and are often the result of fine retouching or shaping of a tool.

1. 1. Production Techniques

The production of lithic flakes involves several techniques, including:

- Direct Percussion: Striking the core directly with a hammerstone or other hard object. - Indirect Percussion: Using an intermediary tool, such as a punch, to apply force to the core. - Pressure Flaking: Applying pressure with a pointed tool to detach small flakes, often used for fine retouching.

1. 1. Archaeological Significance

Lithic flakes are crucial to understanding prehistoric technology and behavior. They provide insights into:

- Tool Production: The methods and skills involved in creating stone tools. - Cultural Practices: Variations in flake production can indicate different cultural traditions or adaptations. - Chronology: Changes in flake technology can help date archaeological sites.

1. 1. Also see

- Stone tool - Knapping - Archaeology - Prehistoric technology