Retouching (archeology)
In archeology, retouching is the modification of the surface of stones that have been shaped into stone tools. The operation of the primary is tee production similar, but in which the goal is not the withdrawal of parts, but the (pre) -shaping of a tool blank.
Forming or retouching haircuts are generally smaller than primary haircuts. The repeated lifting of small plates until the desired shape is achieved is a hallmark of retouching. It is one of the machining processes. Retouching has been carried out throughout the Stone and Bronze Ages since the early tee cultures .
The edges of primary tees are sharp and therefore suitable for cutting soft materials such as meat and plants. Retouching does not improve these functions. When processing hard materials (wood, horn), however, retouching is necessary to give the cutting edge strength (to prevent it from breaking out).
Types of retouching
- Form-giving retouching. Shaping of surfaces and edges by retouching or pressure retouching.
- Edge retouching. Retouching on functional edges to sharpen and adapt to the respective purpose. They are similar to the modern serrated edge .
- Protective retouching: blunting of edges on tools in order to avoid injuries during handling (e.g. with back knives ).
Use, sediment and museum retouching
- Use retouching occurs during use (chipping).
- Sediment trumpets are mostly weak, partial influences. They often occur in caves or under demolitions , where movement in the stony ground can result in retouching damage.
- Museum retouches are edge damage that occurs during the excavation or during subsequent storage.
literature
- Emil Hoffmann: Lexicon of the Stone Age. CH Beck Verlag, Munich 1999, ISBN 3-406-42125-3 .
- Stefan Unser: The flint technology of the Stone Age. Schillinger, Freiburg 1983, ISBN 3-921340-88-8 .
- François Bordes : Hand ax and mammoth - The Paleolithic. Kindler, Munich 1968.