Abstract
The branched reduction system at the Heidenschmiede described here is hitherto exceptional for the Middle Paleolithic of the Swabian Jura. By means of refits and supporting objects, we are able to describe a superordinate reduction system that combines several individual reduction concepts, such as Levallois and blade production, within one volume. In the Middle Paleolithic of the Swabian Jura, blade technology has thus far played a rather minor role. On the one hand, it is possible to split a selected volume (nodule) into three parts, which are reduced separately according to individual concepts. On the other hand, it is also possible to reduce parts of a volume with one concept first and then with another. The hypothetical reduction system can be branched or linear, thus emphasizing the technological flexibility in core reduction, which requires a high degree of cognitive skills of three-dimensional imagination.
Highlights
The stone technology of the Middle Paleolithic is characterized by a variety of concepts and methods of core reduction
Most of the concepts for flake and blade production follow the principle of predetermination of the blanks, which is achieved by the configuration and preparation of the reduction face and striking platform or by the choice of the direction of percussion
In addition to the patina argument, the repeated use of very similar reduction sequences speaks for an immediate reuse of the pieces. It seemed that blank production in the Middle Paleolithic layers of the Swabian Jura was based on a number of lithic reduction concepts
Summary
The stone technology of the Middle Paleolithic is characterized by a variety of concepts and methods of core reduction. The most detailed concepts of blank production are the various Levallois, Discoidal and Quina concepts and methods [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15]. For the Swabian Jura, lower Middle Paleolithic layers are thought to be associated with the Quina concept, while upper Middle Paleolithic layers yielded Levallois and Discoidal cores [18]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
