The Effect of Core Surface Morphology on Flake Attributes: Evidence from a Controlled Experiment

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a controlled experiment which examined the relationship between core surface morphology and the flake attributes of length, thickness and mass. It was found that the relationship between platform thickness and flake mass is not influenced by core surface morphology, but that the relationship between platform thickness and the flake dimensions of flake length and thickness is significantly influenced. These results suggest that core surface morphology plays an important role in the conservation of raw material and the increased transportability of flake blanks and tools.