An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c21.s15.2

v1.c21.s15.2

During the Lower Palaeolithic [4.2] phase four important techniques are employed, viz. the block-on-block (Clactonian), stone hammer, soft hammer and Victoria West techniques. In the block-on-block or anvil technique the nodule or pebble from which a flake is to be detached is struck against the projecting edge of a larger block of stone fixed into the ground. The resultant flakes are generally massive and show a prominent bulb of percussion, wide flaking angle (above 120°) and cortical upper surface. They serve as blanks for the manufacture of tools like handaxes, knives and scrapers. In the stone hammer technique blows are given with a fist-sized piece of stone on another block held in the other hand; a series of flakes is thus removed from the latter block. Tool types like handaxes, chopping tools and polyhedrons are manufactured by means of this technique. In view of the heavy nature of the stone hammer leading to the removal of thick flakes the artefact surfaces are often irregular and bear deep negative bulbs of percussion; the edges tend to be wavy or jagged. This defect is remedied by the employment of the soft hammer technique. Here a cylindrical piece of wood or bone is used in lieu of stone hammer, thereby affording the artificer a certain degree of control over the amount of force to be applied while delivering the blow. Since the flakes so detached are thin, the artefacts bear smooth surfaces; all fine-looking handaxes and cleavers are made by means of this technique. The Victoria West technique involves partial prior preparation of the core and the removal of a large and rather flat flake by giving a blow on one of the lateral sides. Such flakes are fashioned into cleavers and handaxes with a minimum of secondary working.