Edge Damage Induced by Core Immobilization in Prismatic Blade Manufacture

Healan, Dan M.; Kerley, J.

doi:10.1080/01977261.1984.11720842

Cited by 7 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Various restoration experiments (e.g., Clark 2012; Pelegrin 2012) have shown that the pressure blade production leaves distinct wear patterns on the contact area with fixations on the core and/or blade surface (Clark 2012, 115-118). Healan and Kerley (1984) were the first to identify such traces from experimental studies, which they called counterflaking. Later, Clark (2012, 118) argued that "markers of contact should allow reconstruction of types of core fixation systems" from retrieved artifacts, which could have varied over time and space.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Variability in Obsidian Blade Production Technology of the Neolithic Southern Caucasus: New Data from Göytepe and Hacı Elamxanlı Tepe, Azerbaijan

IKEYAMA,

GULIEV,

NISHIAKI

2022

Orient

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Recent investigations in the Neolithic Southern Caucasus have shed new light on the advent and development of Neolithic culture in the area, which is thought to have emerged around 6000 B.C.E., likely as a result of interaction with the Neolithic communities of bordering regions to the south. Given the geographic and environmental diversity of the Southern Caucasus, the corresponding regional variability of the culture is increasingly attracting attention. Focusing on obsidian pressure blade technology in the region, which is often treated generically so far, this paper investigates the variability in this technology and then makes comparisons among contemporaneous sites. Based on the examination of blade cores obtained from the Neolithic sites of Göytepe and Hacı Elamxanlı Tepe in the Middle Kura Valley, two techno-typologically distinct core types were defined-namely, unifacial and circumferential blade cores. Further, the distribution patterns of the detected technological traces on the surface of the cores, likely caused by firm immobilization for a lever or long crutch pressure debitage, appeared to correspond to the defined core types. Considering the distribution pattern of surface stigmas vis-à-vis the specific blade core type, strategies involving multiple blade production technologies, perhaps each employing different immobilization devices for pressure debitage, can be assumed to be present at the two sites studied. A preliminary comparison with contemporaneous sites on the Ararat Plain in the Araxes Valley provided the basis for considering the regional needs and tradition behind the assumed blade production strategy, probably specific to Middle Kura Valley. Nevertheless, the newly defined and potentially unique unifacial core type may provide a clue to trace technological variability among regions. By exploring the regional variability of the blade production technology through this new perspective, vital questions regarding the Neolithization process or the relationship among groups at that time can be addressed.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Variability in Obsidian Blade Production Technology of the Neolithic Southern Caucasus: New Data from Göytepe and Hacı Elamxanlı Tepe, Azerbaijan

IKEYAMA,

GULIEV,

NISHIAKI

2022

Orient

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“…Bladelets with a thick facetted or dihedral platform without overhang removal, suggesting the use of a rather pointed pressure tool, placed well behind the core platform edge. a: flint (n 27069, l. 1); b: flint, with microcrushing at the impact point on the dihedral platform (n 27719, l. 1); c: silicified sandstone (n 27402, l. 1); d: Eocene flint, with a clear "counter flaking" accident resulting from a contact of the bladelet during its detachment with the core immobilization device, a specific trait of a pressure technique (Healan and Kerley, 1984) (n 24635, l. 1) (Photos: J. Pelegrin; Lay-out: C. Duval e UMR 7055). platforms (Fig.…”

Section: Tablementioning

confidence: 99%

Evolution of a 9th–8th mill. cal BP Upper Capsian site: The techno-typological study of bladelet production at SHM-1 (Hergla, Tunisia)

Belhouchet

Mulazzani²,

Pélegrin³

2014

Quaternary International

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“…It was first discovered and described by Healan and Kerley (1984). It was first discovered and described by Healan and Kerley (1984).…”

Section: Counterflaking Fracturesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prismatic Blademaking, Craftsmanship, and Production

Clark

1997

Ancient Mesoam

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Artifacts from an obsidian-blade workshop dump from Ojo de Agua, Chiapas, Mexico, are analyzed to determine levels of craftsmanship and craft specialization. Detailed consideration of knapping errors and rejuvenation flakes reveals that the blademaker at Ojo de Agua was moderately skilled at his craft, which he practiced on a part-time basis. The maximum level of output from his workshop was 26,000, or fewer, fine blades per year, or the equivalent of part-time work during a three-month period. Analysis of knapping strategies evident in the workshop debris suggests that the blademaker's overriding strategy was to achieve a balance between effort and knapping risk at the expense of raw material. Access to obsidian cores does not appear to have been a concern, as little effort was made to economize in this respect, and thousands of usable, irregular blades were discarded in the workshop refuse.

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Edge Damage Induced by Core Immobilization in Prismatic Blade Manufacture

Cited by 7 publications

References 5 publications

Variability in Obsidian Blade Production Technology of the Neolithic Southern Caucasus: New Data from Göytepe and Hacı Elamxanlı Tepe, Azerbaijan

Variability in Obsidian Blade Production Technology of the Neolithic Southern Caucasus: New Data from Göytepe and Hacı Elamxanlı Tepe, Azerbaijan

Evolution of a 9th–8th mill. cal BP Upper Capsian site: The techno-typological study of bladelet production at SHM-1 (Hergla, Tunisia)

Prismatic Blademaking, Craftsmanship, and Production

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