Main Discussion Area > Flintknapping

Better cut tine flaker video, with flake measurements - clarification of old rec

<< < (2/2)

AncientTech:
This is a different technique.

Here is how I was able to make the differentiation.  The Lacandon technique is a blade making technique.  It is used to remove blades from a core.  From what I recall, the punch is about four inches long.  And, the punch shows wear, on the side, from where it scrapes over the edge of the core.  This is the result of striking blades off of a core. 

A number of years ago, I believe that Marty Rueter made the statement that longer chisels are used to generate longer blades, in working stone.  I believe that this is an accurate observation, and the longer chisel length pertains to a longer loading time, during impact.  Thus, the Lacandon blade-making punch is about four inches long.

The Hopewell Indians also had blade making kits, like the Lacandon's.  And, I believe that the Hopewell blade making punches were about six inches long, and rather thin.  Once again, the length pertains to a long draw, and a long blade that was created.

But, the cut tine tips that are everywhere described as "flakers" typically have a curve, and are only about two inches long.  The back ends frequently are irregular, from being snapped.  Yet, the tips frequently show signs of chipping, nicks, scratches, cuts, blunting, etc, that are indicative of indirect percussion work.  So, how could such a small object have been used in indirect percussion?

Well, I think that my work, along with Grinnell's notes, give a plausible explanation.  Also, if a flake is really small, the process can be used start to finish, to make a point.  But, if the point is larger, then the process can be used to create a very sharp edge.  In the latter case, it would be the flakes that are in between heavy punch work, or hammerstone work, and pressure flaking.   

 

AncientTech:
Here is the point, before getting down to the cut tine tip flaker.  Here are a few outrepasse overshot removals.  This one is an early stage tine-based outrepasse made off of the tip.  I love this outrepasse flake.  It looks like it could have grown wings, and flown away:

AncientTech:
Here is a later stage outrepasse overshot removal, with one fragment refit.  Note the difference between an early stage removal, and a late stage removal:

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[*] Previous page