Prehistoric times, spanning from the emergence of early humans to the development of writing systems, witnessed the remarkable ingenuity of our ancestors in crafting stone tools. These tools were not only essential for survival but also played a crucial role in human evolution, enabling early humans to hunt, gather, and manipulate their environment. As a stone tools supplier, I am fascinated by the ancient techniques used to create these remarkable artifacts and the insights they provide into the lives of our prehistoric ancestors. In this blog post, I will explore the methods and processes involved in making stone tools during prehistoric times.
The Selection of Stone
The first step in making a stone tool was the careful selection of the appropriate raw material. Different types of stone have distinct properties that make them more or less suitable for tool-making. Flint, a type of cryptocrystalline quartz, was one of the most commonly used stones due to its conchoidal fracture pattern, which allows it to break into sharp, predictable flakes. Chert, obsidian, and basalt were also popular choices, each offering unique advantages depending on the intended use of the tool.
Prehistoric toolmakers would search for sources of high-quality stone, often traveling long distances to obtain the best materials. They would look for outcrops of stone that were easily accessible and had the desired characteristics. Once a suitable source was found, they would collect the raw material, either by breaking off large chunks or by gathering smaller pieces that had been naturally weathered or eroded.
The Core and Flake Technique
One of the most fundamental techniques used in prehistoric stone tool-making was the core and flake method. This technique involved striking a core of stone with a hammerstone to remove flakes, which could then be used as tools or further modified into more specialized forms.
To begin, the toolmaker would select a core of the appropriate size and shape. The core could be a large chunk of stone or a smaller, prepared piece that had been shaped to facilitate flake removal. The toolmaker would then hold the core in one hand and use a hammerstone, typically made of a hard, dense material such as quartzite or granite, to strike the core at a specific angle. The force of the blow would cause a flake to break off from the core, leaving a sharp edge on both the flake and the core.
The flakes that were removed from the core could be used immediately as tools, depending on their size and shape. Smaller flakes could be used for cutting, scraping, or piercing, while larger flakes could be further modified into more complex tools such as knives, scrapers, or projectile points. The toolmaker would use a variety of techniques to shape and refine the flakes, including pressure flaking, which involved using a pointed tool, such as an antler tine or a bone, to remove small flakes from the edge of the tool to create a more precise and sharp cutting edge.
The Bifacial Technique
In addition to the core and flake technique, prehistoric toolmakers also developed more advanced methods for creating specialized tools, such as the bifacial technique. This technique involved shaping a piece of stone on both sides to create a symmetrical, sharp-edged tool.
To create a bifacial tool, the toolmaker would start with a large flake or a piece of stone that had been roughly shaped into a blank. They would then use a combination of percussion and pressure flaking to shape the blank into the desired form. The toolmaker would carefully remove flakes from both sides of the blank, gradually thinning and shaping it until it had the desired thickness and edge angle.
Bifacial tools were highly versatile and could be used for a variety of tasks, including hunting, butchering, and woodworking. Some of the most common types of bifacial tools include hand axes, spear points, and knives. These tools were often highly refined and showed a high degree of skill and craftsmanship on the part of the toolmaker.
The Use of Heat Treatment
Another important development in prehistoric stone tool-making was the use of heat treatment to improve the quality of the stone. Heat treatment involved heating the stone to a specific temperature and then cooling it slowly, which could change the physical properties of the stone and make it more suitable for tool-making.
Heat treatment was particularly effective for flint and chert, which could become more brittle and easier to flake after being heated. By heating the stone, the toolmaker could remove internal stresses and improve the predictability of the fracture pattern, allowing for the production of more precise and efficient tools.
The exact methods used for heat treatment varied depending on the type of stone and the cultural traditions of the toolmaker. In some cases, the stone was heated in a fire or a pit filled with hot coals, while in other cases, it was heated in a specialized kiln or oven. The toolmaker would carefully monitor the temperature and duration of the heat treatment to ensure that the stone was not overheated or damaged.
The Role of Stone Tools in Prehistoric Society
Stone tools were not only essential for survival in prehistoric times but also played a crucial role in the development of human society. These tools allowed early humans to hunt, gather, and process food more efficiently, which in turn led to an increase in population and the development of more complex social structures.
Stone tools were also used for a variety of other purposes, including making clothing, building shelters, and creating art. They were often highly valued and traded between different groups of people, which helped to facilitate cultural exchange and the spread of new technologies.
As a stone tools supplier, I am proud to offer a wide range of high-quality stone tools that are inspired by the techniques and designs of our prehistoric ancestors. Our products include 20 Inch Blades Wheels, Concrete Diamond Core Drilling Machine, and Glue To Stick Marble, among others. Whether you are a professional tradesperson, a hobbyist, or a collector, we have the tools you need to get the job done.
If you are interested in learning more about our products or would like to discuss your specific needs, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to provide you with more information and help you find the right tools for your project.
References
- Chazan, M. (2000). Stone tools and human behavior: A view from the Middle Paleolithic. Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory, 7(2), 107-147.
- Dibble, H. L., & Bar-Yosef, O. (Eds.). (1995). The definition and interpretation of Middle Paleolithic assemblages. University of Pennsylvania Press.
- Inizan, M.-L., Reduron, J.-P., Roche, H., & Tixier, J. (1999). Techniques of prehistoric stone tool production. Cambridge University Press.
- Schick, K. D., & Toth, N. (1993). Making silent stones speak: Human evolution and the dawn of technology. Simon & Schuster.