Pressure Flaking

Definition

Pressure flaking is a technique used in stone tool making that involves applying controlled pressure to remove small flakes from a stone core or tool, allowing for precise shaping and refinement. This method enhances the sharpness and usability of the tool, making it particularly significant in the development of advanced lithic technologies during the Paleolithic period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pressure flaking was primarily developed during the Upper Paleolithic period, marking a shift towards more sophisticated and refined tools.
2. This technique allows for greater control over the thickness and sharpness of the flakes removed, enabling the creation of specialized tools for specific tasks.
3. Tools made with pressure flaking include points, blades, and scrapers, which were crucial for hunting, processing food, and other daily activities.
4. The technique is believed to have originated independently in various regions, including Europe and Africa, reflecting diverse technological adaptations to local environments.
5. Archaeological evidence indicates that pressure flaking was likely used by modern humans and Neanderthals alike, showcasing its significance in prehistoric craftsmanship.

Review Questions

• How does pressure flaking differ from other lithic technologies like hard hammer percussion in terms of tool production?
  • Pressure flaking differs from hard hammer percussion mainly in its method of application. While hard hammer percussion involves striking a stone core with a hard object to remove larger flakes, pressure flaking uses controlled pressure to remove smaller flakes with precision. This allows for finer adjustments to the tool's shape and sharpness, leading to more specialized tools suited for specific tasks during the Paleolithic period.
• Discuss the advantages of using pressure flaking over other methods in the context of tool-making advancements during the Upper Paleolithic.
  • The advantages of using pressure flaking during the Upper Paleolithic included the ability to create thinner, sharper tools that were more efficient for hunting and processing. This technique allowed artisans to achieve finer control over flake removal, leading to intricate designs that enhanced functionality. As tool-making technologies advanced, pressure flaking became essential for producing specialized implements necessary for various survival tasks in changing environments.
• Evaluate the implications of pressure flaking's emergence on our understanding of cultural and technological advancements among prehistoric peoples.
  • The emergence of pressure flaking has significant implications for understanding cultural and technological advancements among prehistoric peoples. It suggests a shift towards more complex cognitive abilities related to planning and problem-solving in tool production. This innovation indicates that early humans were not only adapting to their environments but also actively seeking ways to improve their survival strategies through technological innovation. Such developments underscore the importance of craftsmanship and skill in social organization and resource management during the Paleolithic era.

Related terms

Lithic Technology: The study and production of stone tools and their associated techniques throughout prehistory, focusing on methods of flaking and shaping materials.

Hard Hammer Percussion: A traditional stone tool-making technique that uses a hard object to strike a core, resulting in larger flakes being removed for shaping tools.

Bifacial Flaking: A stone tool-making method where both sides of a tool are worked or flaked to create a more symmetrical and effective cutting edge.