Pressure flaking

Pressure flaking is a stoneworking technique that detaches small flakes by pressing a pointed tool against a stone edge. It shapes and sharpens tools through controlled, localized force.

Flintknapping: Flintknapping is the shaping of stone by striking or pressing it to detach flakes. Pressure flaking is one method within this broader stone-shaping practice.
Upper Paleolithic: The Upper Paleolithic is the later phase of the Old Stone Age, marked by diverse technologies and symbolic expression. Pressure flaking became prominent in several Upper Paleolithic toolmaking traditions.
Projectile point: A projectile point is the sharpened tip of a weapon such as a spear or arrow. Pressure flaking can refine a point's edge and alter its outline.
Hard hammer percussion: Hard hammer percussion shapes stone by striking it with a hard material such as another stone. Its forceful blows remove larger flakes, unlike pressure flaking's localized push.
Lithic reduction: Lithic reduction is the process of removing material from stone to produce tools or other forms. Each pressure flake removes stone during a sequence of deliberate reduction.
Solutrean: The Solutrean is a Upper Paleolithic archaeological culture of western Europe, known for finely shaped stone points. Solutrean laurel-leaf points display extensive, controlled pressure retouch.
Biface: A biface is a stone artifact worked on both faces to create an edge or shaped form. Pressure flaking can thin and finish both faces of a bifacial tool.
Soft hammer percussion: Soft hammer percussion removes stone flakes by striking with a resilient implement such as antler or wood. It can thin stone with impact, while pressure flaking applies force without a blow.
Antler tine: An antler tine is a pointed projection of antler that can serve as a tool for working stone. Its firm, slightly yielding tip can press flakes from an edge.
Clovis points: Clovis points are fluted projectile points associated with early human groups in the Americas. Some Clovis point finishing used pressure flaking to refine edges and shape delicate features.

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