Abstract
This chapter presents parameter studies carried out on medium to long pressure blades, obtained by using the approach and method of measurable flintknapping. Firstly, the extended range of possibilities of this method and the main characteristics of a new and larger double lever machine are described. Other subjects dealt with are the control of blade torsion, the correlation between the length and width of a blade and the fracture propagation force, the most probable locations of breaks and finally the relevance of tuning, stored energy and follow-through.
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Notes
- 1.
Follow-through refers to the skill of experienced flintknappers to keep their pressure tool in Âpermanent contact with the platform of the emerging blade.
- 2.
- 3.
At first glance, these movements look like a single flowing gesture. However, closer inspection reveals that a downward component must first be applied to ensure a firm grip of the pressure bit on the platform. Only afterwards can more downward and outward force be added, which, together with an adjustment of the tool angle, initiates the detachment. I generally use round or rectangular copper bits, but rounded antler tips and tropical hard wood were also utilized.
- 4.
Work is proportional to the average force multiplied by the distance covered.
- 5.
For the readers who wish to find out more: The reason for going into such depth is the obligation to take into account the similarity rule, as it was postulated, justified and formulated in Kelterborn (2002: 45) and Kelterborn (2003: 129). For lack of space, the similarity rule is given here only in its most concentrated form: ‘Qualitative and quantitative guidelines in flintknapping are only valid within the border conditions of similar morphologies and attributes shared by the groups of cores or detachments compared’.
- 6.
In this chapter, blades with triangular or trapezoidal cross section are simply referred to as triangular or trapezoidal blades.
- 7.
Imaginative readers will recognize that this device opens a window to ‘experimental mathematics’ in order to solve the complex differential equations for the deformation of slender columns under downward and outward forces for various border conditions. These border conditions include bending moments at the top and time-dependent increases in the column length as well as the consequences of a wall at the side of the column.
References
Bertouille, H. 1989 Theories Physiques et Mathematiques de la Taille des Outils Prehistoriques Cahiers du Quaternaire No. 15. Edition du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris.
Kelterborn P. 2002 Measurable Flintknapping in Experimentelle Archaeologie in Europa, Bilanz 2002, edited by M. Fansa pp 35–49, Isensee Verlag, Oldenburg, BRD.
Kelterborn, P. 2003 Measurable Flintknapping. In Mesoamerican Lithic Technology, edited by Kenneth G. Hirth, pp. 120–131. University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City.
Pelegrin, J. 2003 Blade-Making Techniques from the Old World. In Mesoamerican Lithic Technology, edited by Kenneth G. Hirth, pp. 55–71. University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City.
Titmus, G. and J. Clark 2003 Mexica Blade Making with Wooden Tools. In Mesoamerican Lithic Technology edited by Kenneth G. Hirth, pp. 72–97. University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City.
Wilke, P.J. 2007 Review of Mesoamerican Lithic Technology: Experimentation and Interpretation, edited by Kenneth Hirth. Lithic Technology 32: 219–232.
Acknowledgements
I am deeply indebted to Tony Baker, John Clark, Ken Hirth, Bob Patten, Jacques Pelegrin and my family for their constant and loyal support during the step-by-step development of my research approach to measurable flintknapping. For the indispensible and constructive help with editing the final wording of this chapter, I am much obliged to Adrian Burke, John Clark, Pierre M. Desrosiers and Sandy Haemmerle.
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Kelterborn, P. (2012). Measurable Flintknapping for Long Pressure Blades. In: Desrosiers, P. (eds) The Emergence of Pressure Blade Making. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-2003-3_19
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-2003-3_19
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