Introduction
Tool-making is one of the key characteristics that distinguish humans from other species. In archaeological anthropology, the study of tools helps us understand early human behavior, technological progress, and cultural evolution. Tools made by early humans were mostly from stone, and the techniques used to shape them form the basis of what we call lithic (stone) technology.
In this post, we will look at the main basic techniques of tool making used by prehistoric humans, along with brief descriptions and simple illustrations of each method.
1. Direct Percussion Technique
This is the earliest and simplest method of tool-making. In this technique, one stone (hammerstone) is used to strike another stone (core) to remove flakes and shape a tool.
Features:
- Used during Lower Palaeolithic period
- Produces large, crude flakes
- Tools made: Handaxes, choppers
Simple Diagram:
[Hammerstone] → (strike) → [Core] → [Flake]
2. Indirect Percussion Technique
This technique involves an intermediate object like a punch placed on the core. The punch is then struck with a hammer. This allows for more control over the size and shape of the flakes.
Features:
- Better precision than direct percussion
- Used during Middle to Upper Palaeolithic period
- Tools made: Blades, burins
Simple Diagram:
[Hammer] → [Punch] → (on Core) → [Flake]
3. Pressure Flaking Technique
In this technique, flakes are removed by applying steady pressure instead of striking. A pointed tool like a bone or antler is used to press off small flakes to refine and sharpen the tool edges.
Features:
- Used to make fine and delicate tools
- Common in the Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods
- Tools made: Arrowheads, microliths
Simple Diagram:
[Hand-held Tool] → (pressure) → [Core] → [Small Flake]
4. Grinding and Polishing
This technique involves grinding a stone tool on a rough surface to shape and sharpen it. It was mostly used in the Neolithic period for making axes and adzes.
Features:
- Time-consuming but results in durable and smooth tools
- Tools made: Polished axes, chisels
Simple Diagram:
[Rough Surface] ←→ [Stone Tool] (Rubbed repeatedly)
5. Blade Technique
This is a more advanced form of flaking where long, thin flakes called blades are removed from a specially prepared core. It was used during the Upper Palaeolithic period.
Features:
- High efficiency – multiple tools can be made from a single core
- Tools made: Blades, scrapers, knives
Simple Diagram:
[Prepared Core] → (Repeated flaking) → [Long Blades]
Conclusion
The evolution of tool-making techniques reflects the advancement of human intelligence and adaptability. From simple stone-flaking to precision crafting with pressure and polishing, these methods laid the foundation for technological development. Studying these techniques helps archaeologists understand early human behavior, cognitive skills, and survival strategies in different environments.