Key, Alastair, Fisch, Michael, Eren, Metin I. (2018) Early stage blunting causes rapid reductions in stone tool performance. Journal of Archaeological Science, 91 . pp. 1-11. ISSN 0305-4403. (doi:10.1016/j.jas.2018.01.003) (KAR id:65824)
PDF
Author's Accepted Manuscript
Language: English |
|
Download this file (PDF/1MB) |
Preview |
Request a format suitable for use with assistive technology e.g. a screenreader | |
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2018.01.003 |
Abstract
Palaeolithic stone technologies have never been investigated in terms of how sharpness influences their ability to cut. In turn, there is little understanding of how quickly stone cutting edges blunt, how past populations responded to any consequent changes in performance, or how these factors influenced the Palaeolithic archaeological record. Presented here is experimental data quantitatively detailing how variation in edge sharpness influences stone tool cutting performance. Significant increases in force (N) and material displacement (mm) requirements occur rapidly within early stages of blunting, with a single abrasive cutting stroke causing, on average, a 38% increase in the force needed to initiate a cut. In energetic terms, this equates to a 70% increase in work (J). Subsequent to early stages of blunting we identify a substantial drop in the impact of additional edge abrasion. We also demonstrate how edge (included) angle significantly influences cutting force and energy requirements and how it co-varies with sharpness. Amongst other conclusions, we suggest that rapid reductions in performance due to blunting may account for the abundance of lithic artefacts at some archaeological sites, the speed that resharpening behaviours altered tool forms, and the lack of microscopic wear traces on many lithic implements.
Item Type: | Article |
---|---|
DOI/Identification number: | 10.1016/j.jas.2018.01.003 |
Uncontrolled keywords: | cutting, fracture mechanics, Palaeolithic, sharpness, lithic artefact, edge angle |
Subjects: | G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology |
Divisions: | Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation |
Funders: | Organisations -1 not found. |
Depositing User: | Alastair Key |
Date Deposited: | 30 Jan 2018 19:50 UTC |
Last Modified: | 09 Dec 2022 06:30 UTC |
Resource URI: | https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/65824 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes) |
- Link to SensusAccess
- Export to:
- RefWorks
- EPrints3 XML
- BibTeX
- CSV
- Depositors only (login required):