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Conclusions
Leslie Harlacker
This study represents an attempt to apply an experimental approach to the
question of skilled performance regarding the earliest known technology,
give a more detailed picture of the capabilities implied by the technology.
Although results are still fairly preliminary, and many more analyses are
planned or underway, it seems safe to conclude at this point that knowl
edge is not solely or perhaps even primarily responsible for the variation
to possess rather less knowledge than experienced knappers, do produce
artifacts that stand out statistically; however, advanced knappers also stand
novices more than advanced knappers in many respects. (Biomechanical
results are preliminarily expected to follow a similar pattern.) Because the
knowledge needed in the context of this experimental study is so limited, it
seems reasonable to conclude that knowledge is quite important in shaping
performance among novices, but that as more experience is gained, it is the
This conclusion has implications for the study of hominid technologi
cal evolution in general. Although it is recognized (Toth and Schick 1993)
that stone tool technologies represent at least a minimum indication of the
cognitive sophistication possessed by their makers, breaking down skilled
suggested. Cognitive attributes that are assumed to be present on the basis of
Oldowan technology tend to be based upon the factors previously mentioned
that would fall under the heading of knowledge, such as raw material choice
suggested on the basis of Oldowan technology. For instance, since fairly
extensive experience seems necessary to consistently and quickly produce
that may indeed imply that such practice took place. Indeed, the acquisition
hominids, many of whom possess anatomy that differs from our own. The
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