1. Oldowan Acheulean Mousterian (Levallois technique) Upper Paleolithic
Stone Tools
Oldowan
Acheulean
Mousterian (Levallois technique)
Upper Paleolithic

2. Basic Concepts
Stone tools probably came after a long period of opportunistic tool use
Osteodontokeratic tradition
The key innovation of making a tool out of stone is the technique of chipping stones to create a chopping or cutting edge.
The best flakes were struck from crystalline stones such as basalt, quartz or chert, and the prevalence of these tools indicates that early humans had learned and could recognize the differences between types of rock.

3. Tool Traditions Tradition: similarity of elements over space/time
Type of stone used
Technique
Size, shape, function of the tool
Key concept: standardization

4. Tool Traditions Oldowan Achulean Mousterian (Levallois)
core & flake tools
Achulean
Hand axes
Mousterian (Levallois)
Secondary percussion & halfting

5. Oldowan core & flake tools
Associated with H. habilis (earliest 2.4mya)
Unifacial: only one surface shaped
Most made by a single blow of one stone against another to make a sharp edged flake
Many flakes were struck from a single core stone
Flakes were used as cutters, probably to dismember carcasses or cut plants
Remaining core was used as a chopper

6. Oldowan

7. Acheulean Associated with H. erectus (1.5 mya) in Africa
not in Java
Associated with H. neanderthalensis (500kya-200kya) in Europe
Bifacial: both sides of the stone are shaped
Axes, cleavers, and picks
Standardized types and styles of tools – little change for a million years shows teaching of technique
None found in Asia (possibly bamboo used?)

8. Achulean

10. Mousterian (Levallois technique)
Associated with H. neanderthalensis and H. sapiens in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (200kya-40kya)
Levallois technique required a preliminary shaping of the stone core from which the actual blade is struck off
standardized explicit stages (basic core stone, rough blank, refined final tool). Variations in tool shapes could be produced by changes in the procedures at any stage.
Evidence of sharpening or re-shaping the edges of dull tools

11. Mousterian Flake tools Scrapers
Notched
Serrated
Blades (twice as long as wide)
points
Scrapers
Variety of tools suggests increase in material possessions and cultural complexity

12. Mousterian

13. Levallois Technique
Core is prepared through a series of small flakes, to create a striking platform
Creates a flake that is sharp on all sides
Use of pressure flaking to create serrated edges

14. Upper Paleolithic
Associated with H. sapiens sapiens (40kya-12kya), and independently evolved in Africa/Europe and Asia
Large variety of tool forms, materials, and techniques (bone becomes common)
First use of heat-treated chert
Regional styles signify fine-tuning for different habitat requirements
First appearance of fish hooks, harpoons, spearthrowers, needles, beads, and figurines

15. Upper Paleolithic
Clovis Points

16. Upper Paleolithic

17. Upper Paleolithic