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Technology and Terminology of Knapped Stone - IRIT

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Fig. 54 — Schematic representation <strong>of</strong> an object: descriptive drawing <strong>of</strong> a flake <strong>and</strong> diacritic diagram <strong>of</strong><br />

the same flake, Acheulean, phonolite, Isenya (Kenya).<br />

3. Descriptive view s<br />

Does the layout <strong>of</strong> views correspond to the "French system" or to the "American<br />

system"? In either case, are the views consistent with the system used? When only one view is<br />

represented, it is <strong>of</strong>ten view A (the principal view).<br />

When more than one view is represented, are the lengths <strong>of</strong> views A (front view), D<br />

(back view), B <strong>and</strong> C (right <strong>and</strong> left views) identical? If they are dissimilar, it is to be suspected<br />

that orthogonal projection was not used <strong>and</strong> that the drawings therefore lack accuracy.<br />

4. Removal s<br />

Is the order <strong>of</strong> flake removal perfectly clear? One should examine the direction lines. Do<br />

they highlight the negative bulbs ? If they do not, is this technologically possible ? If they do, are<br />

the negative bulbs consistent with the other removals ?<br />

One should also examine the removals. Are the hackles portrayed? Can one underst<strong>and</strong><br />

how the removals relate to one another on the different faces <strong>of</strong> the artefact? Is it possible to<br />

produce a diacritic diagram from the drawings ?<br />

5. Symbol s<br />

Are they explicit? Is their choice judicious?<br />

6. Style o f drawin g<br />

What do the outlines look like ? Are they slackly drawn ? Do they show a few angles or<br />

none at all ? Is the delineation accurate (small convexities <strong>and</strong> concavities) or approximative ? In<br />

the latter case, the outlines have probably been drawn with a single circular sweep <strong>of</strong> the pencil.<br />

The initial lack <strong>of</strong> accuracy makes for a faulty final drawing.<br />

Is the relief adequately rendered? The thickness <strong>of</strong> the objects is gauged from the side<br />

views or the sections, <strong>and</strong> then compared with the relief <strong>of</strong> the principal view. Do the drawings<br />

lack relief? Has relief been over-emphasized? It is possible by such means to assess the degree<br />

<strong>of</strong> care <strong>and</strong> realism with which the morphology <strong>of</strong> the objects has been portrayed.<br />

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