Technology and Terminology of Knapped Stone - IRIT
Technology and Terminology of Knapped Stone - IRIT
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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