3 Introduction to Archaeology B efore doing this lab section look at the animation dealing with lithics . Please note the techniques displayed and the historical sequence of techniques depicted. For an actual example of lithic flaking view the following short film. Basics Cores are the basic material from which we strike flakes. Note the characteristics of the negative scars of flakes previously struck from cores.
Flakes have identifiable characteristics.
Identify the bulb of percussion, the scars formed, the concentric lines of force, the striking platform. Blades are flakes which are at least twice as long as they are wide, with relatively parallel sides. Bifacially worked tools have retouch on the back face as well. Tools for Making Tools Ancient toolmakers as well as present-day makers of stone tools used various tools to achieve different effects. The variety of tools combined with the varied ways a tool might be applied suggests the degree of complexity involved in lithic tool manufacture.