Artifact of the Week: Biface
A biface is any stone tool worked on both sides. However, archaeologists commonly used the term to describe tools that were made to used as knives or spear points. They would have been attached to wood or bone handles and…
Artifact of the Week: Flakes
Stone tools, or lithics, are the most common artifacts found at local prehistoric sites. There are two general lithic tool classifications in San Diego County: chipped stone and ground stone. The flakes above are examples of chipped stone. The best…
Artifact of the Week: Hammerstone
Hammerstones were used to make other stone tools. They required little modification and were chosen for hardness and size. After use, hammerstones develop whitish areas called stone bruising. This happens when the other minerals in the stone are crushed. Knapping…
Artifact of the Week: Debitage
During the process of making stone tools, knappers produce many waste flakes. These tiny flakes and stone shatter are called debitage. By studying debitage archaeologists can gain a better understanding of how tools were made and what materials were preferred.…
