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The Formation of Flakes

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 January 2017

Brian Cotterell
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
Johan Kamminga
Affiliation:
Department of Prehistory, Research School of Pacific Studies, Australian National University, Canberra, A.C.T., 2601, Australia

Abstract

An understanding of the mechanics involved in flake formation provides an opportunity for deriving more behavioral information from flake and flake scar morphology. The mechanics of flake formation are directly relevant to the identification of prehistoric flaking techniques and stone tool use. In this paper we provide a model of flake formation that accounts for much of the variation in flake morphology. Flakes can form in a number of ways and despite popular belief they are not all of the conchoidal variety. The bending flake is common in use wear though it is often misidentified as a conchoidal flake. A third major type of flake, the compression flake, is a common product of bipolar impact. To account for the wide variation in flake morphology we follow a tripartite scheme of flake formation comprising initiation, propagation, and termination phases, within which different mechanisms can operate.

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Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 1987

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