Flakes, Feelings, and Finesse: Experiential Studies of Skill Acquisition in Novice Knappers

Document Type

Research Article

Abstract

The paper studies knowledge acquisition amongst novice knappers in issues such as raw material selection and technological strategies comprising bipolar knapping, flaking cobbles, and handaxe façonnage. Experiments were set in a highly social and experiential framework and focused on investigating skill acquisition based on observation, mimicry, and direct or indirect intervention of an expert knapper. Results suggest variability in skill acquisition in different technological processes through time and the effects of differing teaching methods. Large databases of lithic assemblages generated from novice knapping would facilitate global comparative studies investigating learning processes in lithic knapping, thereby enhancing an understanding of the archeological record.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.48738/2025.iss1.1087

Publication Date

1-22-2025

Journal

PaleoAnthropology

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