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Some quantitative experiments in handaxe manufacture

Bibliographic Data

ID3919953
AuthorsM H Newcomer, Mark Newcomer (University College London, corresponding author)
Year1971
Volume3
Issue1
Pages85-94
Publication date1971-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueWorld Archaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0043-8243 • E-ISSN: 1470-1375
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00438243.1971.9979493
OpenAlexW2039305021
LanguageEN
Citations received154
References cited2

This paper describes the methods and materials used by the author to reproduce flint handaxes of late Acheulian ‐ Mousterian of Acheulian Tradition type, using flaking tools and techniques available to palaeolithic man. Stages in the manufacture of handaxes are defined first subjectively then quantitatively by counting and weighing waste flakes in the order of their removal. Two main observations emerge from these experiments, both relevant to palaeolithic studies. One is the very large number of waste flakes and chips produced in making finely finished flint handaxes. The other is that it is possible to define stages in handaxe manufacture from a study of the waste flakes alone

Archaeology · Experimental archaeology · Geography · Mousterian · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Geochemistry and Elemental Analysis · Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology

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Unique citing works154
Citations per year2,8
Citation span1971 - 2026 (56)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedYes
Citation typesNeutral: 152

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