Pressure flaking

Definition

Pressure flaking is a technique used in stone tool manufacturing where pressure is applied to the edge of a flake to remove small, controlled flakes from the tool. This method allows for the precise shaping and sharpening of tools, enhancing their functionality. It is particularly significant in the context of Upper Paleolithic tool technologies, where it was employed to create more complex and refined implements that reflect advanced cognitive and manual skills.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pressure flaking became prominent during the Upper Paleolithic period, allowing for the production of highly specialized tools like arrowheads and knives.
2. This technique requires careful control and skill, enabling artisans to create fine edges that are much sharper than those made through other methods.
3. Pressure flaking is often associated with specific cultures, such as the Magdalenian in Western Europe, known for their sophisticated stone tools.
4. The advent of pressure flaking marks a significant advancement in human technology, showcasing increased cognitive abilities and manual dexterity.
5. Artifacts created using pressure flaking can be distinguished by their smooth, sharp edges and are often found in archaeological sites from the Upper Paleolithic era.

Review Questions

• How does pressure flaking differ from other lithic technologies in terms of tool production?
  • Pressure flaking differs from other lithic technologies like percussion flaking by focusing on the controlled removal of material rather than striking larger chunks off. This method allows for greater precision and detail in crafting tools, resulting in sharper edges and more intricate designs. While percussion flaking can produce basic shapes quickly, pressure flaking requires skill and technique to refine those shapes into functional implements.
• Discuss the significance of pressure flaking in relation to Upper Paleolithic societies and their tool-making practices.
  • Pressure flaking played a crucial role in Upper Paleolithic societies as it represented a leap forward in tool-making practices. It allowed for the creation of specialized tools that were essential for hunting and processing food, which directly influenced survival strategies. The development of this technique reflects not only advanced manual skills but also cognitive abilities related to planning and foresight in tool design, marking a significant milestone in human technological evolution.
• Evaluate how pressure flaking contributed to our understanding of cognitive development in Upper Paleolithic humans and its implications for future technologies.
  • The use of pressure flaking reveals a great deal about the cognitive development of Upper Paleolithic humans, illustrating their ability to engage in complex problem-solving and innovative thinking. The precision required for this technique indicates a deep understanding of material properties and an ability to visualize outcomes before execution. This advancement in tool-making laid a foundation for future technologies by emphasizing the importance of skillful craftsmanship and innovation, ultimately leading to more sophisticated methods that would emerge throughout human history.

Related terms

Lithic technology: The study and practice of making stone tools, including the techniques used and the types of materials selected.

Biface: A type of stone tool that has been worked on both sides to create a sharp edge, often used in conjunction with pressure flaking.

Knapping: The process of shaping stone by striking it with another hard object, which includes various techniques like pressure flaking and percussion flaking.