"Just a Flake"

[uniface]

A lot of times it's impossible to change someone's mind once he's got an idea fixed in it. But for those who are capable of revising once-held opinions on the basis of new and better information:

Insistng that a flake must show purposeful edge modification before it can be called an "artifact" doesn't square with reality.

Edge modification on a flake that was utilized as a tool shows that it continued to be used after the original edge dulled. But a great many flakes were used as-is and discarded. Since these were intentionally made and intentionally used, they were artifacts​ by any reasonable definition of the term.

So how do you know they were used ? Edge wear. A couple cases in point:

 

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[Relicgrubber]

I think we are going to need Bigger pictures Tom

 

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[uniface]

Nice ones, Tom !

 

[The Grim Reaper]

I have a site I've been hunting since around 2011 that produces a large amount of Utilized Flake Tools. At least 7 out of every 10 flake you pick up will have a worked edge and some will have multiple edges worked on them and it is always very fine micro flaking. I have a couple boxes full of these but these are some of the better ones I put in a tray. Found on a farm near Garrison in Lewis county Kentucky.

 

[uniface]

Flakes were the 24/7 workhorses of the pre-tech lifeway. This, IMO, should be more widely (and deeply) recognised.

 

[Charl]

Material is Braintree hornfels. One of my favorite flakes…

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Nice example Charl.

 

[MAMucker]

Nice pictures Charl! The last one is like sunset on the beach.

 

[Charl]

Nice pictures Charl! The last one is like sunset on the beach.

Thanks. As you can tell, this required real low level light, and sharply angled light, to show the flaking to best effect. I favor hornfels, and will always pick up pieces of it if I see them. In this instance, I easily could have actually missed the flaking, and tossed it back in the sands. Easily, if I just took a quick look and not paid attention.

 

[uniface]

A pretty one of heat-treated Flntridge (assumed), so probably Hopewell era, although flaking by itself is Paleo.

 

[EDaniels]

After seeing this I went through some of the bigger flakes I have found this summer. To me this one appears to have some fine working to it but I'm not sure. I will definitely be checking out more of the flakes in my jar also.

 

[uniface]

Yours, like the white one (above), shows what's called use wear. Not deliberate edge rejuvenation but flake scars from heavy pressure while cutting.

FWIW