Technology and Terminology of Knapped Stone - IRIT

to another in the course of roughing out and finishing is not systematic, but it does occur quite
frequently. Unquestionable evidence for this practice dates back to 700000 years in eastern
Africa, and it probably existed even earlier. In some long chaînes opératoires including preforms
and belonging to more recent periods, it is not uncommon to see three, or even four different
techniques used for the manufacture of a single artefact (see below).
Fig. 11 — Bifacial (A) and bilateral (B) equilibrium planes of an handaxe.
3. Morphologie s
The morphologies of bifacially shaped objects can be very variable (figs. 12, 13, 37). The
above mentioned distribution of volume during roughing out can tend towards symmetry on
either side of the bifacial equilibrium plane, or remain asymmetrical. Likewise, the frontal view
can be perfectly symmetrical bilaterally, or show an intended (or fortuitous) asymmetry.
Some shapes remained morphotechnically stable over very long periods, like the
Acheulean handaxe. Use-wear analysis is yet unable to identify the functional reasons for the
success of the handaxe. However, it seems that its development was closely linked to the
acquisition of the idea of symmetry (well mastered during the early Acheulean, one million years
ago), even if far from always perfect, and also to the ability to flake large blanks.
Other bifacial morphologies, on the other hand, result from specific conceptions with a
limited existence in both time and space, like the Middle and Upper Solutrean laurel-leaves,
whose function, once again, can only be surmised. That of projectile points can be more readily
appreciated : their morphology is extremely varied, each shape corresponding to ballistic and
hafting requirements.
Of all the knapping modes, bifacial shaping is undoubtedly the one that most exquisitely
combines efficiency with fancy and imaginative power, as well as with technical performance :
witness the dacite disks from the Ténéré 45
, for instance, the north-American Ohokam points 46
,
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and of course the well known Maya excéntricos .
The variety of shapes resulting from bifacial shaping has given rise to a large number of
classifications, most of which are morphological and of limited interest. It is essential that other
45 Joubert, Vaufrey, 1941-1946.
46 Crabtree, 1973.
47 Boletín de Anthropologia Americana, 1982.
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