More Information:
Understanding Stone Tool Technology and the Formation of Lithic Assemblages

Intro to Lithic Technology.  

Illustration of biface (projectile point) reduction trajectories: beginning with the selection of lithic material and ending with a single series of biface rejuvenation.  These trajectories were used in my dissertation to develop models for lithic assemblage formation.  The levels or intensity (complexity) of biface reduction and stages of stone transport (transport stages) influence debris quantity and formed artifact types.

(Click Image for Enlarged View)

1.    All things being equal in terms of the number of bifaces made, far more debris is generated from “complex” biface reduction than “simple” biface reduction.

2.    All things being equal in terms of the number of bifaces made, far more debris is generated from early transport stage than late transport stages.

Both of these variables are the primary sources of lithic assemblage variability rather than settlement behavior.  All lithic assemblages are generated from the production and use of stone tools.  Projectile point design, while functionally the same, is directly linked to biface complexity.  Small triangular projectile points or “Jack’s Reef” types, are produced from relatively simple biface trajectories.  Large notched projectile points, such as the “Brewerton,” are produced from relatively complex biface trajectories. 

1.    All things being equal in terms of settlement behavior, lithic assemblages formed by “Jack’s Reef” projectile point makers will look very different than lithic assemblages made by “Brewerton” projectile point makers.