"In fact, the major problem in classifying Mousterian points is distinguishing them not from other point types but from convergent scrapers... Bordes (1961) himself offered a light-hearted "functional" criterion, writing that the best way to decide is to haft the piece and try to kill a bear with it. If the result is successful, then it is a point; if not, then it should be considered a convergent scraper. One of the problems with this approach is that it can quickly exhaust the available supply of bears or typologists, depending on the nature of the assemblage." (Debénath and Dibble 1994: 62).
Reference
Debénath, A. and H.L. Dibble. 1994. Handbook of Paleolithic Typology Volume One: Lower and Middle Paleolithic of Europe. University Museum of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
4 comments:
That was a great quote too! But the french accent sold it.
- ian
I've heard another "home-brew" criterion: Place the tool with the pointed end looking upside, and try to seat on it: If you injury yourself, it is a point. If not, it is a double sidescrapper.
Ian -
whatever it takes to make you guys remember it! :)
Millán -
on this, I might have to stick with a more traditional approach...
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