The performance of tranchet blows at the Late Middle Paleolithic site of Grotte de la Verpillière I (Saône-et-Loire, France)

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188990
• Publication Date: 2017-11-30T18:36:36Z
• Authors: Jens Axel Frick; Klaus Herkert; Christian Thomas ...; Harald Floss
• Keywords: Middle Paleolithic; Upper Paleolithic; Sequence (biology)

This paper focuses on the technological characteristics of Keilmesser with a lateral tranchet blow modification cutting edge. It examines underlying production these bifacial objects: this implies evaluation their working stage succession, as well produced forms necessary for execution performance. Furthermore, it offers techno-morphological description enigmatic tools. The and corresponding blanks blows from Grotte de la Verpillière I in Germolles (Saône-et-Loire, France) are used case study. collection has been massively expanded new fieldwork review ancient assemblages. majority pieces were made local raw material. concept shows that blow, regardless wide range morphologies matrix size, always consists specific parts sequence assumed function. follows highly stages, some which can be interchanged sequence. However, is goal to obtain low-angled performance not only an integral part production, but rather aim entire production.