Archaeology Term: Flake
In archaeology, a 'flake' refers to a piece of stone that has been struck from a larger core, either for use as a tool or as waste material known as debitage.
Flakes are often the by-products of stone tool production, and their characteristics provide insight into ancient crafting techniques and tool-making traditions.
Flakes can vary widely in size, shape, and thickness, depending on the skill and intent of the individual creating them. Some flakes are purposefully shaped to serve as cutting, scraping, or piercing tools, while others are discarded as waste.
A flake is typically created by striking a core with another hard object, often called a hammerstone. This process, known as knapping, allows the stone to fracture in controlled ways, producing sharp edges that can be shaped further if needed.
The presence of flakes at an archaeological site often indicates areas where people were actively engaged in tool production. These flakes can reveal information about the types of tools made, the techniques used, and even the cultural practices surrounding tool-making.
Flakes also provide clues about the types of stone preferred by ancient people, as well as how far materials were transported or traded. The choice of stone, often selected for its durability and sharpness, reflects both the technological needs and the resource availability in a given region.
When flakes are carefully examined, they show distinct patterns that reveal the sequence of strikes used in tool production. Features like bulbs of percussion and ripple marks on flakes can indicate the direction and force of each strike, helping archaeologists reconstruct the knapping process.
Many flakes are left unfinished, suggesting that they were discarded because they were unsuitable or had been replaced by better pieces. However, the edges of these flakes may still show wear, indicating they were used briefly before being discarded.
In addition to studying the flakes themselves, archaeologists analyze the arrangement of flakes at a site to identify workshop areas and understand how people organized their workspaces. These patterns provide a glimpse into the daily routines and social structures of ancient communities.
Overall, flakes are valuable pieces of the archaeological record, offering insight into the technological skills and resource management of early humans. By examining flakes and their production methods, archaeologists gain a deeper understanding of human adaptation, innovation, and the evolution of stone tool technology over time.
