PART II

A CLQSSARY Or. FLINTV¡ORKING TERMS

BY

Don E. Clabtree

with the editorial assistance of

Guy Muto
Christine Lovgren
Earl H. Swanson

and illqstrations by

Mary Keeler

.t
 GLOSSARY

I
Terrn Definition
I

t1
Aberrant Deviation frorn norrnal. Odd, peeuliar.
Not exhibiting characteristics peeuliar
)
to a particular technology or technique.
l

Aboriginal Original inhabitant; native inhabitants

of a region"

Acurninate Taper-pointed; taperíng gradually to the

¿ipr e" B. , perforator, acurninate bulb.
Alternate Flakes rernoved alternately frorn the
Flaking sarne edge frorn first one face and
then the other. Applies to both
pressure and pereus sion techniques.

.g,rnorphous Denoting an irregular shape. Of no

deterrninate forrn, without classifiable
shape especially with reference to
sorne coTes.

Arnputated The severing of a flake, blade, or

artifact either by applied force or end
shock. Syn.: truncated, severed,
(p.61 ).
Angle of Force The angle at which the force of flaking
or is applied either by percussion,
Angle of indirect percussion, pressure or the
Apptied Force cornbination of pressure and pereussion.
Usually a vector of force representing a
straight line. Having both rnagnitude
and direction. An exeeption is the eurved or
arc-like path of flight when using a specia.l
percussion technique, e. g. , billet or
baton, cobble edge technique, block on
block or anvil"

i3
 Term Definition
Anterior
ÏoO. End opposite the posterior.
Exarnple: the platforrnlurface of
a core is the anterior portion.
Anvil Technique Objective piece is projected against
a stationary object of sufficienl
hardness with sufficient force to
accornplish fracture. See Block on
Biock (p. 35.).
Applied Force \{hen the type of force used to fabricate
an artifact is unknown, or questionable,
the terrn I'applied forceil is substituted
for pressuïe or percussion force until
the actual technique is verified" Used
until the analyst has verified whether
the object was made by p"rcussion,
indirect percus sion, direct pressrlre,
or a natural force.
Arris See Ridge, Crest.

Artifact

fracturing irnplements needed for their

rnanufacture.
A rtifice r Sarne as flintknapper. See rFlintknapper. ,,

Attribute of Forrn Characteristics and peculiarities of

shape which show an indication of
culture traits. Example: ou-t1ine.

Anvil technique
34

35
 Terrn
Definition
Attribute of Techniques having diagnostie
Technology show modes of manufacture, values which
traits, and patterns of human characteristic;
Examples: fluting, behavior.
"r"iff,r"*", rr"s¡-lres.
Axis of See I'Angle of Force. rl
Applied Force

Backed The intentional dulling of one

flake or blade by ,u..rãvirg rnargin of a
flakes from the later"i ,rågin" series o.f
opposite
the-sharp edge. In, some inãta.nces,
tooknaker took advantage of the
natu_r:al
backíng, such a.s cortex, to serve
as the
,".-^" dulling rnedium. The method of Backed blade Basal thinning Denticulate tool
ftunlinS mav* be of diagnostic signifie
(p.37 a.nce.
).
Barb A projection on the lateral margins
artifaet _ sornetimes neaï tfre of an
slants in a direetíon f::orn the Uase * whieh
the proximal end. distal toward
Basal Intenti.onal abrading and srnoothing
Grind:lng proximal mangins and end of o.f the
an a::tíf,aet uo
¡revent cutting the serving. Ace omplished
by rubbing the base of theLrtifaet
type of abrasive maüeríal. presumablyon sorne
done to fae:i.litate hafting.
Basal A techníque of removing either
Thinning unifacíallr¡t
or.bíiacially one or rnore tongiruainãì
flakes frorn the prox:ima.l end] presurnabll,
done to fae ilita.re haÍting. -;.úf,!¡eurrr
(p." ,;-
BasaI Portion The proxirnal end. See rrproximal
(end) .Bnd.rl

Basalt Dark igneous rock with variable

Igneous derived frorn the texttl,res.
rrfire.rr A volcanie Latin ignis ,
origin 7
"t"rr*ï
Biface fron Rock Creek, Idaho
36
37
 Terrn
Definition
Baton or The use of a rod_like baton
Cylindrical thin flakes or blad." f;;;-;heto percuss
Flarnrner rne percussor should bd-ãf rnass.
Technique which wiil yield when contactmaterial
with the objectj.ve piece. is rnade
of antler, ho rfi, bone, o= ,"ror." rnay be
BÍllet. *oo¿. See
Beak A hooked projection made by unifacial
flaking. Generally made Uy tfru pressure
technique. Syrr.: spur. Exarnple:
beaked burin. A

Bending Usually d
Flakes The flake e retouch.
the prane curves on Bi-directional tabular core Bi-conical percussion core
on the arrifacts which
laterat rnargin t:y""9 "*t".¿tru"tJå:::t"
tne ofposire edge
and pass the median line. ,ii.y
cornmonly diagonal. "r"
Beveled An edge which has been rnanufactured
Edge to produce the desired .Ag"
exposure for the removal of "rgle or
flake or flake series. Alss a desíred
sharpening or strengthening. ryÌa)¡ be for
Bi- d;ire ctional Nuclei which bear scars resulting
Cores flakes or blades having been frorn
from two direcrions. J*t."fr"¿
-
io. 3t
Bi-dire ctional Scars on cores or lithic tools
Flake and the result of rernoving blades which are
Blade Scars by applying the force -fro.rr twoor flakes
directåons.
Biface Artifact bearinq flake scars on both faees.
(p. 37 ).
Billet obverse TEVETS €
A club-lfüe rod of materíal, other Bi-directional cylindrical core
stone, used to detach flake" than
f"ã.r,
material. Usually of wood or antler.lithíe
See Braton.
Bi-directional cores
38

39
Bi-polar technique

Split Cobble
Technique of resting core on anvil for percussion blow.
Bulbs of force are not present at both ends. The cone of force
is shattered or severed.
40
4t
 Terrn Definition
Bå-polar

present on both ends of bipolar flakes or

blades. This technique causes the eone
of force to be shattered or severed. Cone
confined to one end and is sornetirnes
sheared. (p. 40r.
Bit An insert of bone, aniler, ivory or
rnetal into one end of a handle, or L 2 3. Alternate
cruteh, to rnake a coryì.posite pressure flaking to produce
tool. The ti.p or forepiee e of a e ornposite ridge.
pressure tool.
Blade Specialized flake with paraLlel or sub_
parallel lateral edges; the tength being
equal to, or rnore tItan, twice the wÍdùh.
Cross sections are plano:eonvex, trí_
angulate, sub-tríangulate, rectangu-1.a,::,
trapezoidal. Sorne have rnore than two
crests or ridges. Assocíated with p::e_
pared cone and blade technique; not a
randorn flake. (pp. 43, 47 e 5Sl"
Blade Tool s Tools rnade frorn blades detaehed f:rorn
4 5
a col:e. E. g., end se l:apeï on a blade,
backed blade, burin on a blade, and
micyoliths.
Blank A usable piece of líthic rnaterial of

not disclosed in the blank. A series of

objects in the early stages in the rnanu*
facturing process before the p::eforrn ås
reached.
6 7.
42
Sequence of core and blade manufacture

43
 Soft Hsmmer

B
D

FI
(d
f{
+J
Ê
o

DORSAL
SUR FACE VENTRAT
SURFACE

Dorsal
Ventral
a. platform soft hamme rb lade
b. Lip f . Fissures or hackles o
o . Contact tsú
c. Eraillure area
h . Previous blade scar
d. Diffuse bulb of force i . Dorsal ridge or arris s
F{

e. Preparation flake scars

o o
.Fl '-l
.tJ
+J (ü
o U
o 'Fi
Ø {J
X
I
f{
o
o
o
d. pronounced b"Ï;'3r^ffi:: brade
.Ú

g. Slight1y curshed contaci areaj xf{

absence of lip cd

.Ft
Ê{
È
He¡d Honne¡ t{
(¡)

rd

d
Ê{
(Ú
r-{
CÚ
Ø
¡{
o
O

Dorsal
Ventral

44
45
 'Ú
o
R
o
ln
<n
F.
o

o
è
o\
o
I
o
ÊJ

o-
cr
F
Þ
Ê-
o
Ø

Þ
._¡

Variant block on b,lock technique for producing blades

 Term
Definition
Block on Method of rernoving flakes by swinging
Block the core against an anvil. See Anvil
1
Technique. May be used to produce
large thick flakes as in the Clactonian
industry or blades with thin platforrns.
(pp. 35 & 4z).
Bulb of The bulbar part on the ventral side at
ApplÍed the proximal end of a flake. The
f-oree remnant of a cone part, the result of )
the application of either pïessuïe or
percussion force. Cornrnonly calted the
rrbulb of percussíon,
" howevár, this
signifies only one group of speeiaLized
techniques. Since the bulb of foree is

3
Stop notch and platform preparation
('pp. ++ & 53).
Bulb of See Bulb of Applied Force,
Pe rcus s åon

Bu-lb of See Bulb of Applied tr-orce.

l1 Pre s s uye
ll
Bulbar Scar 4.
ll
The negative scar found on a coïe or Angle of burin blow
core tool that results frorn the bulb of
_toT"" - either percussion or pïessure.
ri
ri It is a mirror surface or rnold of the
ii cone part resulting frorn flake detachment.
In this use bulbar scar is not synonyrnous with
Eraillure scar. Syt., negative bulb force.
Bur:in A chisel-like implement derived frorn a flake
or blade; or the modification of other im_
plernents by using the burin technique 5.
to burin spal1 or burin blade
rernove the edges parallel to their long Detached
axis
andf or transversely or obliquely.
Cenerally
forrns a right angle edge on one or both
gins. The specíaLized flake rernoved asmar_
result of the burin break is called a burina
blade or spall. ( p. 49).

48
Sequence of burin manufacture
19
 Terrn Definition
Burin Blade A specialized flake rernoved frorn a
burin coïe, generally rectangular in
transverse section. The dorsal side
of the blade generaiiy shows a single
blade scar with lateral margins at
right angles. The first burin blade
rernoved frorn the core rnay show
numerous variants, depending on the
type of rnaterial used and because it
bears scars of the workerrs preparation
to establish a ridge to guide ihe first
blade. Syr. : burin spall.
Burin Break Scar left on flake or blade resulting
frorn the rernoval of a burín spall.
The right angle edge or break, severed
transversely frorn force applied to the
1i
margin.
li
Burin Core A core rnade frorn thin, tabular flakes,
blades, or lithic irnplernents frorn which
orle oT more burin spa1ls have been
rernoved. May serve as a tool or a
source of burin blades, or both.
Burin Scar The negative bulb of force scar found on
a core or core tool. produced by either
percussion or pressuïe. The rnold of
the cone part resulting frorn flake detach_
ment. Syn.: burin facet.
Burin Spall Specialized flake or blade removed frorn
burin coïe. Because of the nature of the a
coTe, the burin blade rnust be thick in
relation to its length and is usually triang_
ular or rectangular in section. Such a
blade has irnportant functional varue because
its forrn supplies strength without bulk.
Ma-de-both by the pressure and percussion
te chnique s.
50
Terrn Definition
Cast Replicas of artifacts prepared in acrylic
fiber, epoxy, plaster of paris or other
suitable rnediurn. Their types should
always be specified, e. g.: acrylíc fiber
casts by Eichenberger.
Chalcedony A cryptocrystalline variety of qwartz,
predorninantly silica and having the rLear
luster of paraffin wax. May be trans-
parent or translucent and of various tints.
Çhalcedony with different colors arranged
in strips or layers is called agate. If the
strips or layers ate horizontal, it is onyx.
Chrysoprase is green chalcedony. Carnelian
is flesh-red and sard is either greyish-red
or brown.
Chert A fine-grained siliceous rock. Impure
variety of chalcedony resernbling flint.
Cenera[-y light colored.
Chevron See Double Díagonal Flakine (n. aZ¡.
Flaking
Chip See Flake.
Chopper Heavy core tool presurned to be used for
chopping. May be unif3ce or biface.
Cleavage Planes along which the mineral rnay be
Plane easily split. Tendency of the rnaterial
to split along either the crystallography,
natural structural planes, bedding planes,
andf or planes of non-hornogensity. The
hurnan-induced fracture rnay follow or be
rnade to fqllow a cleavage plane. f'lakes
step fractured at intersection of cleavage
plane. E. g . : quartz crystal, petrified
wood.
PROPHRTY OF
THE ARCHECLOTIT/It SOCIETY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
It{sTiTUi[ tF l\¡lcli[0L0Gv & ANTI'lR0P0L0GY
51 u¡{TvERSITY oF souTH cABoLINA
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAR(]LINA 29208
 Terrn Definition
Cleaver A tool approximately U-shaped wíth one
transverse cutting edge. Bifacial cleavers
resernble truncated hand axes with straight
or oblique edge at the tip.
Tranchet Blow F1ake cleavers are rnade by allowing the
C leave r rrtranchetrr (percus sion) blow to intersect
the prirnary flake surface to produce a
sharp cutting edge.
C ollate ral Expanding flakes rernoved frorn the lateral
Flaking edges of the artifact at right angles to the
Iongitudinal a:<is. The technique is varied
and does not require using ridges, or crests,
to guide the flakes. Can be produced by
percussion, indirect percussion, or pres_
sure, depending on the desired size of the
flakes. (p.8?).
C ornrningle To rnix or rningle rnaterial frorn two or
ûÌore sou.rces.
Cornpression Ripple rings radiating frorn the poinü of
Rings force. Can be both positive and negative _
positive on the flake and blade; and negative on
the core. Can be cornpared to ripples forrned
in a pool of still water after the dropping of
a pebble. Cornpression rings are generally
rnoÏe prorninent with percussion than with
pressure. A wave rnotion that can be used
as an indícation of the direction of force.

Cornpressor Irnplernent used by the flintknapper to exert

pressure to the artifact. Synonyrnous with
I'indenterrr used in the litho-rnechanic
lite rature.

5Z Cone of force (Hertzian Cone)

55
 Terrn Definition CÚ
v)
fr
o
Ê
C onehoidal A diagnostic fracture on a plane surface
F:acture which resernbles and has the character-
istics and forrn of half a bivalve she11.
It is the result of definite striking pat- r<
(d
terns. The striking area would be at the Ê{
{J
rrhingerr part of the bivalve shell and the o
conchoidal fracture below on the part that
was plane-

Cone of The forrnation of a cone is the ::esult of

Fore e whieh have the
force applied to rnaterials'When
(He::tzian property of isotropisrn. force is t,
(¡)
.ú
C one) applied vertically to a fl'at surface, the cd

force will spread causing a cone to forrn. r-{

.a
The apex of ühe cone wî11 be t::uncated in c)
f.{
.ú
proportion to the surface contaeted by the o
(J
(Ú

agent transferríng the fore e. Each f"l-ake 0)

Í{
o
is a cone part - or part of the bulb of force. o
(p. 531. F{

ó
€h
Shear of rnidsectåon due to cleaving frorn
C)
Cone Shear x
opposing forces, frorn inertåa or: frorn F-t
r<
o
(d
support. This happens rr.ore often wiÈh h
]J
È
rounded cobbles. There is often rninor o)
cd
o
crushing at cone truneation. The scar ,F{

tr
is distinctive, being quíte flat wåth bi- o
section of the cone, elosely spaced ao
a
radiating inundations and little or no 0)
Z)
bulb defini"tion.

Conieal. Cor:e A eore type resernbling a cone, the apex

of which is the distal end. Generally r-{
(d
a
assc¡eiated with speeialized blade cores. h
o
a
C ore Nueleus. A rnass of rnaterial often pre-
forrned by the worker to the desired
shape to allow the rernoval of a definite
type of flake or blade. Påeee of isotropie
rnaterial bearing negative flake scars, or
scaï. Cores can be ernbr:'yonic - such as a
piece of natural, unprepared, raw rnaterial

54 55

\
 Terrn Definition Terrn Definition
with scarr oï scars, reflecting the
detachrnent of one oï rnore flakes Crested Blade See Larn4 a Ctêt..
as the Mexican polyhedral core. such
AII
fiaked tool industries aïe ïepïesented Crude A word often used - and widely rnisused -
by either flakes or cores. to describe character of workrnanship of
(pp. 39, 40, 43, 46, 47 e 5Ð. aboriginal artifacts. The refinernerrt, or
lack of refinernent of the work rnust be
Core TooI Ambiguous term, usually reserved evaluated and related to the rnaterial
techniques based on nodular reduction,for before the word t'crudet' is a.pplied.
such as cobble choppers, or Ernbryonic, inferior, or bad work found
hand axes. Large flakes seïve
Acheu,learr on good rnaterial could weII be called
also as
the core for later axes, and in the crude, but at the sarne tirne, allowance
absence
of the original cortex this distinction should be rnade for the learner or beginner.
futiie. Carried to íts logicat extrerneis But the finding of less controlled flaking on
tools from which flakes ão. ,.rrroved all poor rnaterial rnay indicate that the worker
core tools. are was, indeed, a skilled fabricator to have
accornplished any degree of flaking. Here,
Core Typu A core which ha it is aknost unnecessary to allow for the
t'l; learner or beginner for it is doubtful they
and. te chnor ogic ;ì ilfi:
indicative of a culture). n. g.,
:Lr",r_r::- could do work on bad or inferior rnaterial.
arne rican polyhedral core,
Meso_ Also to be considered is the intent and
bidirectional core.
b.-iconical ultirnate design of the worker - fqr instance,
he rnay have been designing a preforrn, drilI,
C ortex Natural surface, or rind, on flint:Iíke or digging tool and, therefore, not wanted,
materials. or bothered with, the rnore refined flaking
character. Sorne analyst ûlay consider the
C rater j.ng
Multiple intersecting ilmoon_like,r preforrn work as rrcrudet' whereas the worker
on the surface of vitreous cones was intentionally flaking in this rnanner to
rocks resulting allow for further thinning.
from either intentional or natural
turnbling, or bruis ing. pounding,
Crutch A wooden staff of varying dirnensims with
Crazing Minute surface cracks _ generally a chest rest cross-piece at the upper end
hatched - causing the surlace to e ross_ and a pressure tip inserted at the working end.
be weak_
ened. Cornmon to over_heated silie The shoulder crutch is a srnall version of
materials. eous the chest crutch. Size and çonstruction de-
pends on individual preference and the type
Crest .Word of work to be accomplished. Usually used as
used to denote both the raised
on the rnarginal parts of a flake portion pressure tool1, butcan be used in a cornbina-
scar and the ridge or blade tion of pressure and percussion.
flake scars. Edge allel
fracture. The opp plane of C ryptocrystalline A fine-grained crystalline rock but having
distinct particles which are unrecognizable
without the aid of rnagnification. The size
of the rnicrocrystals deterrnine the texture.
56

57
 Term Definition
Curved Flaking See Bending Flakes.
Darnpen To weaken, abate, diminish. Large pieces
being worked a1e. frequently darnpened
support on the thigh of the flintworker. by
Debitage Residual lithic rnateríal resulting frorn
tool manufacture. Useful to determine
techniques and for showing technological
traits. Represents intentional and uninten_
tlonal breakage of artifacts either through
rnanufacture or function. Debitage flakÃ
usually represent the various stages of
progress of the raw material frorn the
original forrn to the finished stage.
Debris 'W'aste
rnaterial _ such as quarrying or
mining waste - having little or no definitive
characte ristics. See Detritus, Debitage.
Denticulation Prominences resembling teeth sirnilar to
those on a saw. Tooth_like serrating on
margins of artifacts. (p. 37).
'Waste of
Detritus disintegrated rocks, such as ac-
cumulated waste at a natural exposure.
Having little or no diagnostic value. See
Debitage, Debris.
Diagonal Sirnilar to parallel flaking, except the pres-
Parallel sure is directed at an oblique angle from
Flaking right to left. This is the tãchnique of right-
handed persons, but a Ieft_handed worke
would direct the pressuïe at an angle
r
from
left to right. The preforrn is held in the
palrn of the left hand with a right_handed
worker and in the right hand *h"r, the knapper
is left-handed. 'When a right_handed peïson
holds the preform in the fingers or the left
hand and the pïessure is directed away frorn
the knapper, the results will resernble those
of a left-handed person. The same as dir_
ection of detaching the flakes.
(n. az¡.
58
Terrn Definition
Diffuse Bulb A bulb of force which lacks the definition of
the cone part. The bulb is disserninated, in-
dicating a broad contact with the pressure or
percussion tool. Cornrnon to billet technique.
Generally lacks an eraillure scaï and ripple
rnarks are rnuch subdued. See Truncation.
(p. 44]'.
Direct A rnethod of holding the rnaterial to be flaked
Freehand in the unsupported hand and directing the
Percus sion percussion or pressure irnplernent with the
or Pressure other hand to detach flakes or blades.
Direct Rest A rnethod whereby the objective piece is
supported on an anvil during the flaking
process.
Di.scoidal Core Bi-convex core having flakes or blades
rernoved frorn the perirneter and usually
on both faces. (p. 39).
Dorsal Outer surface. Keeled part of blade or
flake. For instance, the dorsal side of
a blade is the face of the core prior to
detachrnent.
Double Parallel diagonal flakes reûr.oved frorn
Diagonal both lateral rnargins and terrninated
FIakíng along the rnedian line but directed toward
the base of the artifact. An herringbone,
or Christrnas tree pattern results. A
rnost difficult teehnique because one rnust
either be arnbidexterous or rnust corn-
pletely reverse both the platforrn prepa-
ration and the direction of force.
(p.82).
Downward Method of coordination of rnuscular rnotoï
and Outward habits which allor¡'s the worker to push
Pr:e s sure down and out sirnultaneously in order to
start detachrnent of a flake or blade frorn
a core at the proxirnal end and, at tlne
59
 Terrn Definition
I
sarne tirne, follow through to the point of
release at the distal end. Ratio of downward
and outward pressure is adjusted by the
worker to control the character of the flake.
See Angle of Force. This terrn applies pri- 1
rnarily to detachrnent of blades by pressuïe.
See In and Away.

Elasticity The property of stone to return to its

forrner state after being depressed by
application of force. Ideal lithic rnaterials
are aknost perfectly elastic.
Elastic Lirnit The rnaxirnurn stress a specirnen can with-
stand before fracture occurs.

Elastic The inherent prooerty in certain rnaterials

Rebound allowing the recovery frorn elastic strain.
End Beveled irnplernent made on flake or blade
Scraper with working edge on one or both convex
ends. The bevel is forrned by unifacial
flaking or by use.
End Shock Transverse fracture due to the stone ex-
ceeding its elastic lirnits. Failure of the
rnaterial to rebound and recoil before frac-
ture occurs. (n. Ot¡.
End View Perpendicular view of either proxirnal or
distal end.

E raillure An enigrnatic flake forrned between the

Flake bulb of force and the bulbar scaï.
Usually adheres to the core in the bulbar:
scar. The eraillure flake, itself, leaves
no scar on the core. The dorsal side of the
eraillure flake bears no cornpression rings
but the ventral side of the eraillure flake
does bear cornpression rings that rnatch

F il;ì i-: I:;''-- ''' i:i:'

i:r Sijli!-ìi iirltLINA
60 End shock or ampuratiòliE Aí:;ir:.1i:0101;,1,1,i i, ;:,ii.l\/
lllsìl lii iÍ] 0;' l'ilill-ll'l'i.iiil'' ¡; irl'ìiÌiF'ÛtcLrjiìY
6L iif'iììIf ì:'i;it' íil i'r'jJil '':j\liírÌliil.
cÛ'LuÌ"iiiIA, sJU1 ii Üi\llfji-ii'ì/\ i9¿ij8
 Term Definition
the scar left on the bulb of force. The
eraillure flake is convex, concave.
Exarnple: Menis cus lens.
Exhausted Used up. Consurned, either frorn function À
wearoor by the flintknapper. Adjective o
.tJ
applied rnost often to cores. Exhaustion tt
rrray occur for the following reasons:
steps and hinges, reduction of platforrn
size or angle, lack of material, too srnall.
Exhausted Artifacts which have been rende::ed useless
T ools because of resharpening whieh produces an
angle inadequate for further retouch. Cores
consurned frorn flake and k¡lade rernoval or
frorn rejuvenation. tît
o
Experirnental irnental approaeh to repJ.ieating '-l
+J
Flintworking stone work. This initially
(¡)
ô0
(Ú

'rl
epli.cation of flake and flake scar ,Ft E
f{
attråbutes of technology, after which those F
q)

techniques which produce the least sat,ts_

factory results are elirnínated and the
other teehniques refined.
Fabricator Any of the tools used to apply force to the
objective pi-ee e in the knapping process.
Includes: harnrnerstones, billets, batons,
pressure and notching toolsr punches, etc.
Face The dorsal or ventral surface of the
artífaet.
Facet tr
Either a natural or artifieal plane surface. (¡)

If artifical, facet is produced by intentional {J

(Ú

grinding. The word ilfacet'r shou-ld not bê o

t¡.
used when dese råbing parts of flake scars.

Fatigue Undetected strains indueed ín lithic rnaterial

causing molecular stress and weakness.
Generally due to irnpropeï ïecovery of
e lasticity.

6z

63
 Te rm Definition
Feathering A technique which produces a flake which
terrninates in an edge with a rninirnal
margin. produces biades or flakes wiih
edges and distal ends which are
very sharp.
l"."rh:red edge leaves siight ridges
objective piece, a characteristic of on the
precision
collateral flaking. (e. O:¡.
Fire Checks Distinctive rninute cracks in stone,
usually
rectangular in shape. Appears in chalcedonic
Tocks which have been either heated
or cooled
too rapidly. May be associated with planned
therrnal treatrnent or rnerely be the result
accidental of
heat contact. Exãessive heat will
cause rocks to becorne granular and scaly
and will usually change the color to
a por_
celain white. See Crazing, Thermal
Treatrnent.
Fis sure s Lines of radii usually originating at the
rnargins of the flakes on ventral face
and
directed toward the point of force. Fissures
are not cracks, but aïe crests and troughs.
The appeaïance of fissuïes on the
bulb of
for_ce usually indicates that a percussion
technique was used. Fis"rrr"" are
also
known as hackles. Syr. , Gro_oved
shatler
line
s
FIake
64
Terrn Definition
Flaker A pressure irnplernent used to rernove flakes
during the process of forrning or sharpening.
Sarne as colrLpressor. The word rrflakerrt
relates to pressure flaking whereas the
irnplernent used for percussion work is
referred to as a rrpercussor'r or harnrner.
Flaking Process of rernoving srnall pieces of rnaterial
frorn objective piece by pressure, percussion,
indire'ct percussion oT the cornbination of
pressure and percus sion.
I'lake Typ. Groups of flakes which bear technological
attributes showing rhythrns and prototypes
of their rnode of rernoval frorn a core.
See Thinning Flake.
FIat Flaking Technique which reryloves flakes resulting
in a plane surface.
Flexibil.ity The arnount of bending without breaking
exhibited by sorne lithic rnaterials. Not
e lastic ity.
Flint A siliceous rnaterial ideally suited for fla.ked
irnplernent rnanufacture. Responds well to
the application of force, either percussion
or pressure. Usually a fine-grained rock
of the darker shades. Occurs as nodes oT
nodules in lirnestones and chalks, and as
rounded or irregular rnasses.
F1ints A general terrn denoting all flaked artifacts
rnade of stone. Associated, probably, with
pieces of flint used in flintlock rifles.
Flintknapper One who forrns stone irnplernents by con-
trolling the fracture of the rnaterial. An
artificer. A stoneworker using rnaterial
exhibiting a conchoidal fracture.
65
 Terrn Definition
Flintlike Used to refer to any lithic rnaterial which
reacts like fiint when subjected to force.
Material having the properties of iso-
tropisrn and s ornewhat cryptocrystalline
and hornogeneous.

Flute A negative serni-concave flake scar having

parallel sides. The result of force applied
to the objective piece which has previously
had special preparation of the surface and
platforrn area to accornplish fluting. A
concave trough on the artifact frorn the
proxirnal toward the distal end. Generally A
related to bladernaking and basal thinning
of projectile points. Produced to allow
special hafting. The act of rernoving a
channel flake the vertical length of the A. Grinding
artifact. Syn.: Channel flake scar.
I"luted Point A projectile point bearing one or two longi-
tudinal channel flake scaïs frorn base toward
the tip on one or both faces of the artífact.
Cross section is bi-concave if both sides are
fluted. If only one side is fluted, the trans-
verse section is then concave-convex, or
plano-convex. The sÇ,ar is convex in section
and is norrnally produced by pressure or in-
direct. Ordinarily applíed to Folsorn points.
(e. as¡.

Foliate Applied either to willow leaf or laurel leaf

type poínts.
Geornetric Srnall geornetric tools with either pointed or -
Mie roliths various shaped sharp edges. Usually rnade
by severing blades into transverse sections. ì

Sorne cornrnon forms are called rectangular,

triangular, lunate. Probably used for the
rnanufacture of cornposite tools. B. Polishing
(p. 751.
Grinding and polishing
(mag. 32.5 x)
66
67
 Term Definition
Graver A stone irnplernent generally rrade by pres_
sure flaking and intentionally designed to
have a functiqnal point or points. It is gen_
erally assumed that gravers are used to
inÇise or forrn organic materials and soft
stone.

Grinding A dual-purpose preparation technique.

'Weakens a plane
surface ard strengthens
a rounded surfaqe. Accornpiished by lr
grinding fþe platforrn, core top, or rnargins
qf artifacts with an ablasive stone.
I
(p. 67).
Grindstone Abrasive stone cornposed of bonded gran_
ules of rock. Abrasive stones with gran_
ules of various sizes and different bonding
agents. Typ" of abrasive stone is selected
to conform to the lithic material being
formed or sharpened. Generally, the harder
the material beíng worked, the softer the
grindstone.
Hackle ç See Fissures.

Hand-held Mannçr of holding the objective piece in

the left hand white force is exerted by
the right hand through the percussor or
comPtessor. Free-hand: objeCtive piece
held with no support. Free-hand rest:
objective held in rested hand.
Hinge I'racture A fracture at the distal end of a flake or
blade which prevents detachment of the
flake at its proposed terrninal point. A
hinge fractu:re terrninates the flake at
ríght angles to the longitudinal axis and
the break is usually rounded or blunt. Dorsal Ventral
Not to be confused with a step fracture.
(n. o9¡.
Secondary decortication and hinge
fracture recovery b1ade.
68 69
 Term
Definition
Homogeneous Of the sarne structure, nature or kind
throughout. Of líke substance. In selec_
ting rnaterial for replication one of the
rnajor criteria is hornogeneity. A horn_
ogeneous rnaterial can be worked with
consistency because it has no planes of
weakness or included rnaterial that would
irnpair the conchoidat fracture process.
See Inclus ion.
Igneous Rock Rock forrned by soiidification of rnolten
volcanic rnaterial such as rhyolite, basalt,
obsidian.
Ignimbrite A silicic volcanic rock forrned in thick,
rnassive cornpact, lava_like sheets. Usu*
ally deposited over a wide area. The rock
is chiefly a fine-grained rhyolite tuff formed
mainly of glass particles welded by incan_
descent volcanic cloud. Often confused with
obsidian.
Impact Scars Scars resulting frorn using a hard percussor
to deliver the force to the rnaterial, causing
radiating fj.ssures on the bulb of force
In and Away
In and Down See Downward and Outward pressure, In and
Away.
Inclusion An impurity or foreign body in stone which
deters the hornogeneity of the lithic rnaterial
and causes problems for the flintworker.
See Hornogeneous.
70
Terrn Definition
Indire ct A percussion technique which involves
Freehand striking a punch-like object with a Percussor.
The punch is held in the fingers of the left
hand with its tip rested on the platforrn of the
artif.act which is held in the unsuPPorted palrn
of the sarne hand. Norrnally requires the
services of a second person.
In Situ Natural undisturbed position of an oþject or
rnaterial. 'Where first forrned or deposited.
Inte rrnediate A punch-like object of antler, bone, wood,
T ool stone, or rnetal on which the percussion
blow is delivered to irnpart force to a pre-
deterrnined area on either a core or stone
tool. 'Worker strikes the base of the punch
wíth a percussor. See Punch Technique.
(e. aa¡.
Interval of Factor of contact tirne between the percussor
C ontact and the objective piece. The hard percussor
has a short interval of contact f.or it delivers
instantaneous concentrated force. The softer
percussor has a longer interval of contact
because it is rnore yielding and, therefore,
allows the force to be irnparted rnore slowly.
Interval of The spacing distance between the rnarginal
Spacing flake scars.
Is olated A platforrn which has been freed frorn the
Platf orrn rnass by the rernoval of flakes to isolate or
cause the platforrn part to protrude or becorne
prorninent. Example: the platforrn (nib) on
the base of a Folsorn point on which the fab-
ricating tool is seated prior to fluting. Sarne
as Prornontory.
I s otr opic Material having the sarne properties in all
directions. Typical of arnorphous substances
7l
 Terrn
Definition
and of crystals of the isornetric
an isotropic elastic medíum, system. In
the velocities of
propagation of elastic waves .aïe
of direction. independent

Jade A rnetarnorphic rock of varied colors.

variety is apple_gïeen and wa;<y_white. Gern
material of extraordinary toughne"" A
six and one_half on the tviofr" scale Urrt orrty
ness. Must be formed by grinding,of hard_
not ttating.
Jasper An impure variety of chalcedony
various oFqqu: colors. Adaptableformed in
and forrning stone artifacts. for ffJlr.g
Keel Ridge formed by a feathering termination
flakes at the rnedian line. of
C-an also be a
single ridge on the dorsal side
of a biade
generally on the median line resulting
a previously detached blade. frorn
Knapper One who works_ stone by
flaking,
knapper or artificer. ôf¿ Wãrld i. u., flint-
sibly derived from the knapiirrg terrn pos_
by stone masons. rr"rrrrrrer used

Knapping Process of fracturing stone. Forrnerly

indicated a percussion technique
includes the pressure technique but now
as weII.
LarnJ a crête First blade rernoved frorn a core.
directional flake scars on the Bears bi_
dorsal
the result of the worker pïeparing surface,
guide the blade. a ridge to

Lanceolate Lance or spearlike.

Lateral Margins Margins of flakes, blades and other
tools on either or both sides of stone
axis,
the longitudinal

72

Levallois core technique

73
 Terrn Ðefinition
Leading Edge \t'orking part of either the stone irnplernent
or core which is nearest the knapper. Edge
of the objective piece facing the knapper.
Levallois A special core preparation technique which
Technique allows the percussion removal of flake irn_
plements requiring litfle or no rnodification.
The Levallois tool is plano_convex and is
characterized by intersecting flake scars on
the dorsal side. Generally, only one or two
usable flakes are detached before the coïe
is discarded. This technique encorì.passes
several rnethods of flake removal.
(p. 7 3).

Lip 1) Projection found on core or artifact

which results frorn the bulbar scar. -A
concavity causing an overhang usually Flake showing pronounced lip
found on the leading edge
2l Projection found on the proxirnal ventral
surface of sorne flakes, believed to be as_ Geometric nicroliths
sociated with soft harnrner percussion or
pressure. (pp. 44 e 75).
Lithic Derived from the Greek word lithos_ilstone. il
Pertaining to stone.
Longitudinal The area of the artifact bounded by the prox-
Lateral imal and distal ends and both lateral ,nargins.
Section

Longitudinal The thickness of the artifact between the

Transverse dorsal and ventral side and bounded by the
Section proxirnal and distal ends.
Marginal See I'issures.
tr-is sure s
a

Marginal Process of srnoothing rnargins prior to

Grinding flaking to rnake thern stronler and .nore
regular and to facilitate hafting.
Triangular Trapezoidal

74 75

¡
 Terrn Definition
Mas s A quantity of rnatter forrning a body.
Mechanics of The principles of rnotion and force applied
Fracture to isotropic rnaterial to accornplish a
planned and preconeeived fracture"

Median Line An imaginary line pertaining to the rniddle

part of the artifact frorn the proxirnal to
the distal end. Can be on either face.
Menise us Coneave ori. one side and cosìvex on the
other. See Erailltrre Flake"
Mental The visualizatian, in the mind of the rnaker,
Ternplate of the ideal type of irnplernent to be rnade.
trt is this which rnakes "typest' such as
Folsorn, Clovis, etc., ídentifiable.
Method That part of the fabrication pïocess wholly
in the rnind of the flintworker, rnental
ternplate, knowledge of possible techniques
to ernploy, farniliarity of style and response
of the stone being worked. A eharacteristic
rnode oT ryl.anner of proeedu::e.

Microblade s Dirninutive blade generally rnade by pres-

sure technique" Cornrnon to sorne Aretic
cultures. See Bl.ade. (p. ZZ).
Microburin Waste product not intended for funetion.
Usually the proxirnal or distal end of a
blade. Residue of geornetrical rnicrolith
industries. Not to be confused wíth either
a dirninutive burin spal.l or burín coïe. Can
be rnade by a special technique or severing
prisrnatie blade s.
Mie roburin Method of severing blades to rnake geornet-
Technique rical rnie roliths" Technique .requires first
weakening the blade by rnargína1 notching and
then breaking it at the notch.
Micro-core and blades
76 77

Terrn Definition
Microliths Very srnall geornetric-forrn tools cornrnonly
used in cornposite tools. Forrned frorn pris-
rnatic blades, using the sharp unrnodified
lateral edges as the cutting edge.
(n.zs ¡.
Mingle To rnix or rningle rnaterial frorn one souïce.
Morphological An unreliable rnethod of typing stone tools
Typology according to forrn alone. This can be rnis-
leading, for tools having the sarne forrn
rnay well have been produced by different
techniques, have different technological at-
tributes, and could have been intended for
different functional purposes.
Multidire ctional Core bearing scars which show that flakes
Core or blades were rernoved in rnore than one
dire ction
Naturefacts Pseudo-artifacts caused by natural soil
( Pseudo-tooIs ) rnovernent, glaciation, wave action, high
velocity water rnovernent, gravity (such as
alluvial fans or steep inclines), rapid tern-
perature changes, internal pressure (such as
starch fractures and pot lids), exfoliation,
tectonic rnovernents, diastrophisrn, solifluction,
foot trarnpling and other unintentional activity
caused by nature rather than by rnan. These
conditions can detach flakes frorn the rnass in
such a manner that the piece ûÌay resernble an
ernbryonic tool.
Negative Bulb A rnirror surface of the cone part always on
of Force the objective piece and not on the flake or
blade. See Bulbar Scar.
Non-undulated Flakes and flake scars showing the absence
of cornpression rings on the plane of fracture"
Related to rnaterial and special techniques.
7B
Terrn Definition
Notch Basal indentations to facilitate hafting.
Notching Technique of indenting the base of a
projectile point or knife to facilitate
hafting. Usually by the pressure tech-
nique. Several traits rnay be identified'
Deep serrations are a style of notching.
Nucleus The core. A central rnass or a kernel.
The part rernaining after rernoval of
excess rnaterial, or after flakes or blades
have been detached. A core tool could be
a nuclear artifact.
Objective Lithic rnaterial being worked or forrned
Piece by various techniques. Can be nodule,
flake, blade, blank, preforrn, core uni-
face, biface or a Perrnutation of object
to cornpleted forrn.
Oblique Flaking Flakes rem.oved diagonally to the long axis
of the artífact, Parallel flaking directed
diagonall| a.toss the surface of the arti-
fact. Generally done by the pressure
technique. See Diagonal Flaking.
(p. 87).
Obsidian Igneous glass, volcanic rock. Generally
black although sorne deposits are red, green
and of different
or brown. Is often banded 'WeIl
degrees of transparency. suited for
flaked irnplernent rnanufacture for it produces
a very sharp cutting edge.
Obs cure Side Terrn used to denote the underside, or
urrexposed face of an attíflact. Used to
help explain the hotding rnethod during
pressure flaking. For exarnple, during
the pressure flaking process, the attífact
is generally held flat in the hand and flakes
pressed off the face resting on the palrn.
7g
 Terrn Definition
This face is not visible to the worker and,
therefore, it is called the "obscure side. il
Outrepas se/ Over and beyond the opposite rnargin. (See
Tixier 1963, Typologie De LrEpipaleo_
lithique Du Maghreb. )
Ovates Long oval irnplernents. Can be blanks or
preforrns" Elliptical. Bifacial or unifacial.
Overhang See Lip. (p. 44 e 75)"

ParalleI F1ake scars are parallel to each other, uni_

Fiaking form or graduated in size, and leave a sharp
straight edge. This technique was applied
to direct the flakes across th-e face of the
artif.act, rnaking it stronger and rnore regular.
This type of flaking is accornplished by the
serial rernoval of blades continuously acïoss
the face of the surface worked. The flake
platforrn is placed in line with a ridge with
the greatest force applied directly peïpen_
dicular to rnargin with pressure tip. The
tool rnust be kept in line with ridge during
detachrnent. (p. gZ).
Patina An alteration of the surface by rnolecular or
chernical change and not to be confused with
sand blasting.

Pecking The percussion technique used to forrn oveï_

Iapping superimposed coïles, usually with
the direction of force being applied to the
surface of the rnaterial in a perpendicular
direction. Cornrnonly used in grooving and
the shaping of harnrnerstones.
Perrnutation Interchange. To change one thing for another.
Pe rcus s ion A rnethod of striking with a percussor to
Flaking detach flakes or blades frorn a core or rnass.

FRÛPE:NTY OF
enô
80 D 1r e c t p ETCUS S 1 on fr ak in{H E A R CH EOL OG ^
TTY OF SO UTH CAROL

INSTI TUTE OF AiìCHTOLOCY & AI.IfHROPO L 0 u Y

81 UNIVERSITY OT SOUTH CAROLIT'¡A
COLUMBIA, SOUTH LìAROLINA 29208
 Y
Terrn Definition

Percussion flaking includes varied techniques

to rernove flakes by either irnpact, collision
or concussion. (p. 8t).
Percus sor An irnplernent used for striking. Includes
harnrners, harnmerstones or billets.
Perverse Fracture A helical, spiral or twisting break initiated
at the edge of an objective piece. Natural
flaws, excessive force and rnass to be re-
rnoved add to the possibility of perverse
fracture. Production errors such as step
fractures rrì.ay produce rrtore rnass than plat-
forrning and force can overcorrÌe. Energy is
then deflected into and through the rnass of
the object.. (p. e¡).
Phylogeny The line" or lines of direct descent in a
given group.

Pick Long, narrow, thick core tool. Prorninent

keel on dorsal side and plano on ventral side. -
Pointed on one or both ends.
Plane of The splittíng or tendency to split, along
Cleavage planes deterrnined by ctystal structure, or
by bedding planes in sedirnentary rocks.
Parallel planes of weakness within the
structure which destroy the hornogeneity
of the lithic rnaterial.

Plane of The surface on the ventral side of the flake

Fracture bearing the positive scar of the bulb of force{
the negative scar being on the coïe or stone
tool.
Plano- convex Flat on ventral surface - curved on dorsal
surface. Cornrnon to unifacial artifacts.
Platforrn The angle of the platforrn rneasured frorn This segment Ìotated backward
Angle the dorsal to the ventral side. At right and tilted up.

8Z Perverse fracture
83
 Terrn Definition
angles, or less to the longitudinal axis.
Angle of platforrn on flake or blade cor-
responding with parental platforrn angle
of core.
Platforrn The table or surface area receiving the
force necessary to detach a flake or blade
Can be either natural or prepared. The
truncation of the cone part.
Platforrn The grinding, polishing, faceting, beveling
Preparation of that part of the platforrn to receive the
applied force. Usually done to strengthen
the platforrn in order to carry off a larger
flake" See also Turned Edge, Grinding,
Polishing, Facet, Beveled Edge"
Point of Platforrn part or cone truncation. Area
C ontact of the forceful rneeting of percussor or
coryr.pressor and the objective piece"
Polishing To rnake srnooth by rubbing with fine
abrasive rnaterial. Strengthens the plat-
forrn" Can also be the result of function.
See Grinding. (p. 671"
Polyhedral Core bearing rnultiple biade scars.
Core Generally cylindrical (p" 55).
Positive Bulb of Rounded ( onion- shaped) protubeïance
Force found on the ventral side of a flake or
blade at the proxirnal end. Bulb is part
of the cone of force.
P oste rior Bottorn. Base. Opposite of anterior.
Pot Lid A plano-convex flake leaving a concave scar.
Pot lids are the result of differential expansion
and contraction of isotropic rnaterial but are
rninus the coûlpression rings of force lines
usually associated with these conditions"
84
Terrn Definition
Generally they are a natural occurrence
rather than intentional results of rnan-rnade
flake s.
Precision A precision rnethod of thinning by which the
Thinning worker controls the direction and terrnination
of the flakes at the rnedian line of the artifact
by applying either the parallel or collateral
flaking technique. Flakes are intentionally
terrninated in a hinge or step fracture at the
rnedian line to allow flakes detached frorn the
opposite rnargin to rneet and intersect these
hinge fracture s.
Preforrn Preforrning denotes the first shaping" Preforrn
is an unfinished, unused forrn of the proposed
artifact. It is larger than, and without the
refinernent of, the cornpleted tool. It is thick,
with deep bulbar scars, has irregular edges,
and no rrreans of hafting. Generally rnade by
direct percussion. Not to be confused with a
'rblank.rl
Prehistoric The science of knowledge of forrning stone
Lithic into useful cutting, chopping, and other
Technology functional irnplernents, cornprised of two
factors - the rnethods and the technique" See
Method and Technique.
Pre s sure Process of forrning and sharpening stone by
Flaking rernoving surplus rnaterial - in the forrn of
flakes - frorn the artifact by a pressing force
rather than by percussion. There are various
individual techniques of pressure flaking.
Prirnary Rernoval of irregularities on the artifact by
Retouch the pressuïe technique to rnake the piece
ready for the second retouch.
85
 Terrn Definition
Prirnitive Pertaining to the beginning or origin or to
early tirnes. Original, first, p::irnary,
primordial.
Prisrnatic Long narrow specialized flake with para_
Blade 11e1 sides. Genèrally triangulate or trap-
ezoidaL in section and bearing two or three
prisrn-like facets on the dorsal side. Assoc_ 2. Less reguJ.ar Parallel
iated with blades refiloved frorn a polyhedral 1. Very regular parallel
c ore.

Pr oje ctile Spear point, dart point or arrowpoint. An

Point arrowhead rnay be unpoínted or transverse.
(n. sz¡.
Prornontory See Isolated Platforrn"

Pseudoburin Flake fragrnent exhibiting right angle edge,

sirnilar to those produced by the rernoval of
burin spalls, but not presenting the typical
burin concavity, or the negative bulb force.
Pseudotools See Naturefacts.
3 Diagonal parallel 4. Collateral 5 Randon or non-
or oblique patterned
Punch An interrnediate tool of antler, bone, wood,
rnetal or stone used in the percussion tech_
nique" The punch is placed on the objective
piece and ree eives the blow frorn the pel:cnssor.

Punch A rnethod of applying peïcussion force to an

Technique interrnediate tool (punch). (n. AA¡"
Randorn Flaking Multi-directional, rnultiforrn and without
order for rnaking the axtífact regular in
forrn" Used without further refinernent
or a stage of prirnary retouch prior to
precision flaking. (p" 8Z)"
Re c oil Rebound. Recovery frorn the shock due to 6. Flute or channel 7 Double diagonal or
the sudden application of force" Does not flake scar chevron
exceed elastic lirnit of rnaterial.

Idealized projectile points showing

86 varieties of pressure flaking
87
 Terrn Definition

Rejuvenate To renovate, renew, restore, r€-create, or

Te-establish. An exarnple would be blade
core platforrn rejuvenation: a process by
which the exhausted or ruined platforrn would
be rernoved as a tabular flake thereby estab-
lishing a new Platforrn.

Residual Core An arnorphous core without definite forrn,

having the platforrn area exhausted. Bears
scars denoting the rernoval of flakes or
blade s.

Retouching A technique used to thin, straighten, sharpen,

srrrooth and rnake the artifact rnore regular
in forrn. Generally involves the use of Pres-
sure in one or rnore stages. Retouching
usually follows peïcussion preforrning. Before
precision pressuïe work rnay be accornplished,
one rnust first rernove all irregularities on
the objective piece by a prirnary retouch and
then do a secondarY retouch.

Ridge A projection. The intersectj-on of two surfaces

forrning a salient angle. The rnedian longi-
tudinal lines of an artifact which is rhornboidal
in transverse section. Long crest, or spine,
either natural or forrned by unifacial or tri-
facj.al flaking. Generally used to guide the
blade frorn the core.
'Waves appearing on the plane of fracture'
RippIe
Ç ornpre s s ion rings " Characteristic of s olids
which have the properties of viscous liquid'

Salient Bulb A bulb of force having good definition of the

cone part. Indicating a confined contact force"
(p. 44, 45 & 53).
Sandstone A sedirnentary rock cornposed of sand and
bonding rnineral. Generally used for grinding
and polishing. Very cornpact and hornogeneous

Punch technique or intermediate tool

89
88
 Terrn Definition

varieties can be forrned into various artifacts

by percussion flaking.
Scalar Flaking A technique which produces irregular ex-
panding, overlapping flake scars which
resernble scales. May be the result of
pïessure or percussion.

Seriation Cradation frorn early forrns to later forrns

in lithic rnanufacture.
Se r rating Indenting the edges by alternatíng the rernoval
of flakes; or the repeating of notches at reg-
ular intervals. See Denticulation.
Shearing Technique of turning the edge by wiping a
rod-Iike pïessure tool along the rnargin
while pressing inward. Rapid rnethod of
platforrn preparation prior to pressure
flaking.

Shearing of Cone See Split Çone Technique. (e. f t1.

Shear Stress To sever frorn opposing forces"

Side Víew The lateral edge or rnargin of the artifact

when it is held horizontal to the viewer.

Side Scraper knplernent with beveling on one or rn'ore

rnargins of a flake or blade to obtain a
strong cutting edge.

Silex A terrn cornrnonly used to define Old \{-orld

rocks of a siliceous or chalcedonic nature. X- section
Possibly derived frorn the French word
silex -rrflint.'r Not to be confused with a
FFna.ne of a rnanufactured glass.
Silice ous Of or pertaining to silica. High silica
content"

Sheared cone and X-section

90
91

Terrn Definition
ilicification The introduction of or replacernent by
S
s ilica.
Silicified Slate S1ate with a high silica content causing
it to be rnuch harder than norrnal"
Sinuous Snake-like, alternating or wavy. Margins
of artifacts are rnade sinuous by rernoving
flakes alternatèly frorn the lateral edges.
Slate Metarnorphosed fine-grained sedirnents with
well-defined cleavage. Artifacts are usually
forrned by grinding rather than by flaking.
Snapping 1) A rnethod of producing a transr¡erse
fracture to sever flakes or blades. Pres-
sure or percussion force is applied frorn
the ventral toward the dorsal side.
Z) May also be accornplished by finger
pre s sure.
S olifluction The process of slow rnovernent of water-
saturated ground rrì.asses frorn higher to
Iower leveIs. Movernents of earth rnay
cause I'naturefactsrr to be forrned"
Spall See Flake.
Split C one At present, the technique is enigrnatic but
Technique has been observed on artifacts found in
c-obb1e irnplernent industries which have had
large exterior flakes rernoved frorn the cobblers
surface. These flakes have no visible bulb of
force, the result of the worker using the anvil
technique and splitting the cone of force. This
technique has been noted by Charles Borden
on the Fraser River artifacts and by others.
(p. ¿t & 9t).
Spur See Beak.
9Z
Terrn Definition
Step I.racture A flake or flake scar that terrninates
abruptly in a right angle break at tlne
point of truncation. Caused by a dis-
sipation of force or the collapse of the
flake. (p.63).
Strangled Intentional flaking directly opposite on
Flake or both rnargins to rnake a constriction or
Blade narrowing.
Strengthened A platforrn which has been strengthened
Platforrn by prbviding a greater area to receive the
applied force, or rnade stronger by
polishing an isolated platforrn. See
Platf orrn Prepar ation.
Protuberance. High point. Apex. See
Surnrnit
C re st.
Tabular Core Core type resernbling a tablet, generally
bi-directional. 1p. 39).
A basal projection. See Barb.
Tang
Taxonorny Science of systernatics. Arrangernent and
classification according to relationship.
Techniques which have diagnostic value
Technological
Attribute s showing rnodes of rnanufacture, character-
istic traits, and patterns of hurnan behavior.
e. g. , grinding or percussion flaking. See
Attribute of Technology.
Technique The word I'technique'r applied to stone tool
rnanufacture denotes the rnethod, execution,
perforrnance or rnanipulation of a definite
practice of forrning lithic rnaterial but re-
flecting distinct flaking character and pat-
terns and displaying technological attributes.
The rnaking, fabrication or preparation of -
stone tools under certain identifiable conditions.
93
 Terrn Definition
Exarnple: bladernaking, per se, is not a
technique. But blades rnade by sirnulated
conditions represented byvarietie.s of plät-
forrn preparation, degrees and kinds of
force, angles of force, rests or anvils,
rhythrns and rnuscular rnotor habits, and
diversified fabrication irnplernents will
represent a technique.
Te chnology The study of techniques" Science of studying
and interpreting the cornbined or distinct.
attributes of individual techniques. knplies
a systernatic control of rninute and distin-
guishable detail.
Tenacity Resistance to fracture. Exarnple: jade"
Therrnal Method of altering siliceous rnaterials by
Treatrnent exposure to controlled heat. This treatrnent
rnakes the stone rnore vitreous.
Thickne ss Measurernent of the denseness between the
dorsal and ventral sides"
Thinning Flakes rernoved frorn a preforrn either by
Flakes pressure or percussion to thin the piece for
artifact rnanufacture. Thinning flakes are
also rernoved to thin a biface or a uniface"
Usually shows special platforrn preparation.
(p. e6).
Tipping The technique of rnaking a tip or point on the
distal end of an artifact. Several rnethods
rnay be used to accornplish this"
Top of Core Proxirnal or platforrn part of the core.
Tradition Established custorn. Historic style.
94
Terrn Definition
Trajectory of Curve or straightness at which force is
Force applied to the objective piece.
Trajectory Curve or flatness of flake and flake scar.
of Fracture
Tranchet Blow Technique of striking to sharpen or resharpen
cleavers and handaxes. BIow is struck oblíquely
to the rnarginal edge to rernove a flake crosswise
and at right angles to the rnain axis of the tool,
leaving a sharp transverse edge.
(p.go).
Transverse C r os swise.
T ransve rse ParaIIeI flaking directed horízontally to the
Flaking long a;<is of the artifact and rneeting at the
rnedian line. (p. 87).
Transverse Old 'ü/orld points rnade frorn a section of blade
Pr oje ctile s with the lateral rnargin serving as the tip of
the projectile or arrowhead. 'When ernployed,
they cause profuse hernorrhaging.
Transverse The area bounded by and between the lateral
Section rnargins.
Trough Depression or hollow between crests. Low
point between flake or blade scars. Channel
scar left by flake or blade rernoval leaving
a concavity frorn the proxirnal to the distal
end of the plane of fracture. Single trough
is known as a flute.
T runcation Cutting short or cutting off; i. e., truncated
cone, truncated blade, transverse truncation"
Turned Edge Marginal edge that has been beveled by
shearing or rernoval of rnultiple flakes by
pressuïe or peïcussion. See Beveled Edge.
95
 -

Terrn Definition

Typology Science of classifying stone tools by forrn,

techniques and technological traits. Must
include duplication of the technique by first
observing the intentional forrn, then recon-
structing or replicating the tool in the exact
order of the aboriginal workrnan. Shows
elements of culture. Typology cannot be
based on function.

Undulations Sirnilar to cornpression rings and rippling.

Cornrnon to blades when the downward and
outward forces are not equalized.

Unidire ctional Core showing that flakes or blades were

Core rernoved frorn one platforrn surface and in
only one direction. (p. 55).

Unidirectional Scar on a core denoting that force was applied

Thinning flake scars Flake or Blade in one direction only. The lateral rnargins of
Scar these scars intersect previously rernoved flake
or blade scars.
Tranchet blow cleaver Uniface Artifact flaked on one surface only.
Unifacial Objective piece bearing flake or blade scars
on one surface only.

Unilateral A type of diagonal flaking rnade by bending

ParalleI the bladelets frorn one edge to the other
Flaking and terrninating thern by feathering before
they reach the opposite edge. May be rnade
by either palrn or finger holding of the ob-
jective piece.

Unpatterned See Randorn Flaking. (P. 87).

Flaking

Ventral Plano side or inner surface of flake or blade'

The under surface.

" '5 uÈ ¡
PEìotrEt{TY
ttt'-"
s0uTll '
CAR0LINA

fÏ{t
97 IN ^ÑrHnopot-osY'
II.ROLINA
96 INA 29.¿08
scLtiM'B
 __T

Terrn Definition
Vertex The top, turning point, zenitln, or highest
point.

Visible Side The apparent face of the artifact. The

upward, visible face"
VitreÖus Having the near luster and texture of glass"
'Waste Flakes Discarded flakes not suitable for function"
Usually resulting frorn platforrn preparation,
trirnrning, rernoving of cortex, and discarded
non-hornogeneous parts. See Debris.

ADDENDA

Force The quantity of energy or power exerted by a

a rnoving body; power exerted; cornpulsory
power; energy exerted to rn-ove another body
frorn a state of inertia.
The worker can alter the character of levering
force by slowing or accelerating the action but
this does not alter the arnount of force for the
rnoïe intense the force the slower and rnore
lirnited its action.
Fracture Irregular surface produced by breaking a
rnineral across as distinguished frorn split-
ting it along the planes of cleavage.

Strock A condition established in the lithic rnaterial

to counteract the stresses and strains induced
by the applied force.

S plit To divide longitudinally or otherwise; to cleave,

to separate or part by force.
'Wave An undulation on the surface resulting frorn
the cornponent particles of the lithic rnaterial
be;ing didturbed by force; to raise irregular-
ities of the surface.

9B
 Occosionol Popers of the ldoho Stqte University Museum
No. The Archqeologicol Survey Sydcn of rhe Mu¡eum. By Eorl H. Swonson, Jr. 195g. p.
o.
No. 2
ï'Jf:i!lläi,=:l!'s,in'+LffÊi'¡"?i'":iJ:"'.t"'"i';,1't3;"'"
Bryon. 1959. O. P.
R'äi,l 3;.j'f,ili
No. 3 Federsl lndion Lond Policy ond the FoÉ Holf lndlonr. By SollyJeon Loidlow. 1960. O. p.

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