Lab Quiz #2 Flashcards
Most frequently found artifacts in archaeological sites?
Stone tools, and debris from the process of their manufacture
Lithic Artifacts provide information about what?
Tool making and activities closely related to the use of the tools
What we can learn from Lithic Artifacts - Technology
Tools might preserve while the product they were used to make has vanished
What we can learn from Lithic Artifacts - Activities Practiced Within a Culture
The clustering of specific stone tools at specific locations at a site suggests that certain activities were restricted to defined areas
What we can learn from Lithic Artifacts - Function of a Site
Once activities performed at a site have been identified, the function of the site can potentially be determined
What we can learn from Lithic Artifacts - Settlement Pattern of a Human Group
Once its determined that a certain cultural tradition existed in a region at 1 time and that the people produced specific tool types, its possible to study the movement of this group in a territory; and the extent of the territory they normally used
What we can learn from Lithic Artifacts - Trade
Popular types of material were often traded over short/long distances. Knowing the source of these material, it becomes possible to investigate trade patterns and relationships between/among various groups
What we can learn from Lithic Artifacts - Ideology/Religion
The shape, color, and material of an artifact can be suggestive of religious and ideological concepts
What we can learn from Lithic Artifacts - Development of Human Brain
Great differences in complexity and efficiency of stone tools from period starting with Homo habilis, the 1st toolmakers over 2.5 million years ago, to modern humans
Lithic artifacts are classified into different types based on:
- Material
- Method of manufacture
- Form
- Function
Method of manufacture is based on:
Whether the material is fine-grained texture or coarse-grained texture
How are materials with fine-grained texture manufactured?
A process of ‘chipping’ or ‘knapping’ because they easily flake and crack (like glass)
How are materials with coarse-grained texture manufactured?
A process of abrading or grinding because they won’t easily flake/crack (rough like sandpaper)
Core
A piece of hard stone
Core itself can become a tool - hand axe
How are flakes removed?
By striking the edge of the core with a sharp, forceful, blow. - Chipping/Flaking
Requires ability to control the way rock breaks when its stuck
Methods of Flaking - Direct Percussion
Usually involves striking core directly with another object. Can be with a hard hammer(stone)/soft hammer(antler)
Methods of Flaking - Indirect Percussion
Involves use of an object between striking hammerstone and rock being shaped