flakedstone

Flakedstone refers to stone tools that have been manufactured through the process of flaking. This involves striking a piece of stone, known as a core or a nodule, with another object, typically a hammerstone or antler baton, to detach smaller pieces called flakes. These flakes can then be used as tools themselves, or they can be further shaped into more complex implements. The process requires skill and an understanding of the material's properties, as different types of stone fracture in predictable ways. Common materials used for flakedstone tools include flint, chert, obsidian, and quartzite, chosen for their conchoidal fracture properties, which allow for sharp edges to be produced.

The creation of flakedstone tools is one of the earliest and most enduring technologies developed by humans and their ancestors. Evidence of flakedstone artifacts dates back millions of years, making it a crucial marker for archaeological research. By studying the forms of flakes, the techniques used to detach them, and the resulting tools, archaeologists can infer information about the capabilities, resourcefulness, and social behaviors of past populations. The types of flakedstone tools produced evolved over time, reflecting advancements in technology and changing subsistence strategies, from simple choppers and scrapers to more sophisticated projectile points and knives. The study of flakedstone, or lithic analysis, remains a fundamental aspect of archaeology.