A Reconsideration of the Handaxe Similarity in Korea

Abstract

On the basis of a Eurocentric perspective, handaxes from Korea like others from the east of Movius Line (ML) have been known as non-typical handaxes. These are not usually known as typical Acheulean handaxes, but known as other appellations such as putative handaxes, protohandaxes, or non-classic handaxes. Conversely, various authors have studied the validity of morpho-typological similarities, with those from the west of ML. These efforts have led to various comparative studies between those from the east and west of ML. However a series of results show juxtaposed characteristic features. It means that only partial similarities have been examined. Such juxtaposed similarities lead to another question. It is necessary to determine how the similarity can be interpreted. Causes of the directional process making such similarities must be verified. These similarities can be regarded as the results of the (direct) ancestor-descendant process or the convergence process. In other words, newly formulated cultural entities should come from somewhere else or independently. Updated Korean data show that handaxe assemblage should be perceived as two separate entities. These are chronologically separated indeed. Also, a different lineage process may had occurred. The early phase of handaxes assemblage, might be brought by the convergence process. However, a question to consider is if the later phase of handaxes assemblage should be regarded as the same uniform process. The latter ones are much like recursive and these are normally incorporated with blade and micro-blade assemblages. From this perspective, handaxes assemblage in Korea are not necessarily seen as only one coherent cultural entity.