Combining aggregate and individual methods of flake debris analysis: Aggregate trend analysis

Abstract

Numerous approaches are currently employed for the analysis of chipped stone debris. These can generally be classified as aggregate and individual flake based methods. Here, elements of these two analyses are combined to produce a simplified form of analysis that allows useful insights into the technological make-up of flake debris assemblages. Specifically, general size data from aggregate analyses are combined with two attributes recorded on individual flakes as a pragmatic way of characterizing flake debris assemblages. Flake debris derived from flintknapping experiments demonstrate that differences between core reduction and tool production are observable for each and general trends in the data are derived through simulating archaeological assemblages. The utility of the method is demonstrated by application to the Bifurcate occupation of the Hart site (15La183) in Lawrence County, Kentucky. It is concluded that this method can be fruitfully applied to archaeological data sets, especially as an exploratory stage of research or when only limited analysis time is available. © 2004, Baywood Publishing Co., Inc.