When the hammer drops: Identification of knapping techniques in blade production based on a multi-scale study of knapping traces

As defined by J. Tixier, a knapping technique corresponds to the concrete means used to detach a flake. It involves three essential parameters: the tool(s) used, the mode of force application and the behaviour of the body which includes the knapping gesture. In order to identify the knapping techniques used in prehistory, previous studies have mainly focused on macroscopic features on the blanks, but difficulties have often been encountered, leading to mixed results. We present the results of an experimental study that incorporates the macroscopic and microscopic level to examine and characterize knapping traces and integrates a hierarchical cluster analysis to refine identifications. Microscopic traces prove to be complementary to macroscopic traces and to constitute a key aspect for the identification of prehistoric knapping techniques. By focusing on the mode of force application and the contact tool, we show that each parameter of the knapping technique needs to be identified separately. Based on this principle, we demonstrate that it is possible, on the basis of specific sets of attributes, to identify blades produced by direct and indirect percussion and pressure, as well as to differentiate between the use of harder and softer contact tools, although further characterization of the latter does not seem possible without the identification and analysis of knapping-related residues.