Effects of Raw Material on Flake Breakage Patterns

Desarrollo metodológico para el estudio de fuentes de aprovisionamiento lítico en la meseta central santacruceña, Patagonia argentina

“…En cuanto al primer punto de la metodología, la potencialidad tecnológica de los depósitos geológicos la definimos sobre la base de las características fisicoquímicas de las rocas que forman los afloramientos en relación con la función para la que serán utilizadas (siguiendo la propuesta de Nami 1985 Ms;Flenniken y White 1985;Cotterell y Kamminga 1987;Bellelli 1988;Newman 1994;Amick y Mauldin 1997; ver Tabla 1). Así, la descripción de nuestro paisaje geológico se hizo desde la perspectiva de su potencial aprovechable "tecnológicamente".…”

Archaeological Testing at 41BP679, Bastrop County, Texas

“…Flake condition is a result of breakage. Tool production and core reduction will produce a variety of flakes, including complete flakes (CF), platform remnant bearing flakes (PRB), medial/distal flakes (MDF), and non-orientable fragments (NF) (Amick and Mauldin 1997;Prentiss and Romanski 1989;Sullivan and Rozen 1985). The percentage of complete flakes produced in lithic reduction has been determined to be dependent upon the raw material type.…”

“…They also explored fracture properties of differing raw materials and the effects of trampling on the archaeological record (Prentiss and Romanski 1989). Amick and Mauldin (1997) explored the affects of the differences in the mechanical properties of raw materials and the resulting patterns of flake breakage. They concluded that raw material differences significantly alter flake breakage patterns and must be addressed before using breakage patterns to infer site type (Amick and Mauldin 1997).…”

Stone Artefact Production and Exchange among the Lesser Antilles

“…Sullivan and Rozen's article (1985) has been a great stimulus for interpreting the debitage of lithic samples with respect to type of reduction. Although many lithic specialists questioned their interpretations (Amick & Mauldin 1989;Ensor & Roemer 1989), its less subjective method was subsequently used in many experimental studies to adjust these interpretations (Amick & Mauldin 1997;Ingbar & Bradley 1989;Kuijt et al 1995;Prentiss & Romanski 1989).…”

“…Experimental studies have demonstrated that the relative amount of cortical flakes, and the size and weight of the debitage are affected by the original size, form, and nature of the raw material. Therefore, knowledge on these features is essential when interpreting lithic samples (Amick & Mauldin 1997;Bradbury and Carr 1995). As the outer surface or cortex on flakes plays a significant role in determining the reduction stage, good knowledge of the possible types is crucial for a proper determination.…”