Archaeology Term: Core
A core, a fundamental element in lithic technology, is a piece of stone from which flakes are removed to create tools.
By understanding the processes involved in core reduction and flake production, archaeologists can gain valuable insights into the cognitive abilities and technological skills of ancient peoples.
The selection of suitable raw materials is crucial for effective stone toolmaking. Cores are typically made from high-quality stone, such as flint, chert, or obsidian, which possess the ideal properties for producing sharp flakes. The quality of the core material can significantly impact the success of the flaking process and the quality of the resulting tools.
There are various techniques for removing flakes from a core, including direct percussion, indirect percussion, and pressure flaking. Direct percussion involves striking the core directly with a hammerstone to detach flakes.
Indirect percussion, on the other hand, involves using a punch or antler to apply force to the core, resulting in the removal of smaller, more precise flakes. Pressure flaking, a more advanced technique, involves applying pressure to a point on the core to detach small flakes.
The analysis of cores provides valuable information about the technological strategies employed by ancient toolmakers. By studying the shape, size, and pattern of flake scars on a core, archaeologists can reconstruct the sequence of steps involved in its reduction and the types of tools that were produced from it.
The study of cores is an essential aspect of lithic analysis, a field that focuses on the study of stone tools. By understanding the processes of core reduction and flake production, archaeologists can gain insights into the cognitive abilities, technological skills, and cultural practices of past societies.
