Archaeology Term: Pressure Flaking
Pressure flaking is a technique used in stone tool-making where controlled pressure is applied to carefully detach small flakes from a core, creating precise edges.
Unlike percussion flaking, where force is applied by striking, pressure flaking allows for finer, more accurate shaping of tools such as arrowheads and spear points.
This method emerged during the Paleolithic period and represents an advanced level of skill in ancient tool production. By pressing with a pointed tool, often made from bone or antler, early humans could better control the shape and thickness of the flake removed, resulting in tools with sharp, durable edges.
The development of pressure flaking marked a significant technological advancement in the manufacture of stone tools. It provided a more reliable way to produce symmetrical, standardized blades and points, useful for hunting and daily survival.
Archaeologists have identified pressure flaking marks on tools found at various prehistoric sites, suggesting its widespread use across cultures and time periods. This method is especially associated with the refinement of projectile points, as it allowed for enhanced aerodynamic shapes and functional sharpness.
Pressure flaking also enabled the production of intricate stone tools and weapons with minimal material waste, a crucial factor for prehistoric communities relying on limited resources. The technique required patience, skill, and knowledge of materials, making it an important indicator of cognitive and technical abilities in ancient societies.
The process involved holding the stone core in one hand while applying steady pressure with a flaking tool on specific points, creating a controlled fracture. This method allowed toolmakers to create multiple, uniform flakes, achieving desired shapes more consistently than with percussion flaking alone.
In addition to hunting tools, pressure flaking was used to create scrapers, knives, and other items essential for survival, highlighting its versatility. The controlled flaking process enabled the creation of not only functional tools but also items that may have held symbolic or aesthetic value.
The invention and mastery of pressure flaking provided a foundation for future innovations in tool-making techniques and materials. It influenced later metalworking methods, as the controlled removal of material became central to producing finely crafted objects.
Overall, pressure flaking represents a critical leap in human ingenuity, revealing early humans’ ability to manipulate materials with precision and intention. The technique remains an important focus for archaeologists studying technological evolution, as it illustrates how early people met practical needs with increasing sophistication.
