A Core Reduction Experiment Finds No Effect of Original Stone Size and Reduction Intensity on Flake Debris Size Distribution

Abstract

Studies have long noted the influence of stone package size and reduction intensity on lithic assemblage composition, particularly in the form of flake size distributions. However, it remains difficult to distinguish objectively the effect of either factor in archaeological contexts without controlling for the variation in one of the two variables. Here we report on an experimental study designed to test the null hypotheses that original stone size and reduction intensity have no impact on the size distribution of lithic flake debris produced during core reduction. Results indicate statistically significant influence from original stone size but not reduction intensity, although the effects from the former are low enough to be considered trivial. In reviewing a sequence of archaeological assemblages from a Middle Paleolithic site, all exhibit an excess of smallsized materials in comparison to the experimental data. When exceptionally high frequencies of the smaller size classes occur, taphonomic processes are clearly responsible.

Neanderthal activity and resting areas from stratigraphic unit 13 at the Middle Palaeolithic site of Oscurusciuto (Ginosa - Taranto, Southern Italy)

“…On the other hand, as shown by geostatistical analysis, the evidence of random/scattered spatial patterns, both among the lithics larger than 50 mm2 and among several RMU, clearly suggests that tram-pling/scuffing processes produced a wider dispersion of larger lithics compared to the micro-debris (Spagnolo et al, 2016). In agreement with archaeological literature (Ahler, 1989;Andrewsky, 2004;Baumler and Davis, 2004;Benito-Calvo et al, 2011;Bertran et al, 2012;Bowers et al, 1983;Bradbury, 2007Bradbury, , 2011Bradbury et al, 2011;Brown, 2001;Carr and Bradbury, 2004;Gifford-Gonzalez et al, 1985;Healan, 1995;Henry et al, 1976;Hilton, 2003;Knell, 2004;Kvamme, 1997;Larson, 2004;Lin et al, 2016;Maíllo Fernandez, 1998;Metcalfe and Heath, 1990;Nielsen, 1991;Patterson, 1982;Patterson and Sollberger, 1978;Rasic, 2004;Roebroeks, 1988;Root, 2004;Schiffer, 1983;Shott, 1994Shott, , 2004Stevenson, 1985Stevenson, , 1991Vaquero, 2012;Vaquero et al, 2012b), in the context of SU 13 of Oscurusciuto Rockshelter, the micro-debris should be considered the most reliable correlate for the identification of dropzones. These drop zones, as shown by RSA and by hearth thin sections, tend to be related to hearths; however, the correlation of each knapping area with a specific hearth is not always possible because of the size of the site.…”

“…Moreover, in absence of extensive water-flow processes (as inferred by the SU 13 analysis), the objects in the smallest size classes tend to be quickly buried. For this reason they do not suffer significant horizontal displacements, in contrast to the largest elements, more prone to be trampled/scuffed or to be removed by cleaning up activities (Ahler, 1989;Andrewsky, 2004;Baumler and Davis, 2004;Benito-Calvo et al, 2011;Bertran et al, 2012;Bowers et al, 1983;Bradbury, 2007Bradbury, , 2011Bradbury et al, 2011;Brown, 2001;Carr and Bradbury, 2004;Gifford-Gonzalez et al, 1985;Healan, 1995;Henry et al, 1976;Hilton, 2003;Knell, 2004;Kvamme, 1997;Larson, 2004;Lin et al, 2016;Maíllo Ferna´ndez, 1998;Metcalfe and Heath, 1990;Nielsen, 1991;Patterson, 1982;Patterson and Sollberger, 1978;Rasic, 2004;Roebroeks, 1988;Root, 2004;Schiffer, 1983;Shott, 1994Shott, , 2004Stevenson, 1985Stevenson, , 1991Vaquero, 2012;Vaquero et al, 2012aVaquero et al, , 2012b.…”

The mediating effect of platform width on the size and shape of stone flakes

“…The reason for doing this is to see how well the relationships observed in the mechanically flaked assemblage can be applied to a context of increased variability in flaking conditions akin to that of archaeological materials [9]. The flintknapped assemblage used here was produced in the context of previous studies [47,48], made via hard hammer percussion by multiple knappers of different skill levels. The raw material used was Texas Pedernales River flint as well as flint nodules obtained from the Dordogne region of southwest France.…”

Quantifying how much raw material is needed: A case study based on the weight of the lithic artefacts from the Brno‐Štýřice III Epigravettian site (Moravia, Czech Republic)

“…Lithic assemblages can be studied in many ways (Barton et al 2013). A particular focus may be placed on the number, percentage and character of the items, dimensions of debitage (Ahler 1989;Andrefsky 2007), intensity of reduction (Neruda 2015;Lin et al 2016), or intra-site raw material similarity (Prasciuns 2014;Kornfeld et al 2016). The quantification of the frequency of a particular type or group of artefacts is usually summarized by the total number and percentages and displayed using diagrams.…”

“…A particular focus may be placed on the number, percentage and character of the items, dimensions of debitage (Ahler ; Andrefsky ), intensity of reduction (Neruda ; Lin et al . ), or intra‐site raw material similarity (Prasciuns ; Kornfeld et al . ).…”