fulltext - Simple search

Manifesting microliths: insights and strategies from experimantal replication
Slight differences in the method of manufacture could be discerned on
the end products. However, it was not possible to differentiate between knap
sure supported by an anvil, even though there were slight differences in their
by knapper 1 is very regular and even, whereas that for knapper 2 is slightly
the extra time spent by knapper 1 and her more methodical trimming of the
blank. Despite the use of a supporting anvil, enclume retouch is only present on
one piece by knapper 2, which was made using an antler point.
In order to explore the implications of subtle differences in technique and
develop methodologies for recording variation, a separate programme of
experimental replication was conducted by the author. Discussion will be
based on the experiences of producing around 100 microliths as a discrete
replication programme. The informal group replication outlined above re
vealed that subtle differences were employed by these knappers who were all
engaged in the same task of producing microliths. A range of techniques was
adopted: the use of both stone and antler retouchers with the blank resting
on an anvil stone. There is another method of executing the retouch and
or chunk to modify the blank. This produces retouch that is akin to that
produced by using a stone on an anvil. By supporting the blank in the hand
it results in less breakage due to the fact that contact with the stone was more
even than when resting on an anvil. Three techniques were used to make mi
croliths, 67% were made using a stone to execute the retouch, 22% with an
percussor is the quickest and easiest method, the natural bevelled end of the
removed from the surface of the anvil to prevent breakage. Enclume retouch
was only present on one in ten blanks. The use of an antler tine produced
retouch that could not be macroscopically distinguished from that produced
by stone. The size of the point enables more precision but it was much slower
to execute. Finally, simply scraping the blank along a stone produced quite
the hand, as the piece had to be kept level. Notching was not possible un
305