History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c10.s1.t6.35

v1.c10.s1.t6.35

(1) Massive Flakes - Unprepared : This group is also known as Clactonian flakes or flakes detached by Block-on-block technique (Bordes, 1961, p. 13). Named after the type site of Clacton-on- Sea in England, the Clactonian technique is said to be characterized by the use of block-on-block method. Big blocks of stones are hit against the stationary block or anvil to acquire flakes. The resultant flakes are massive having wide angle (about 120) between the striking platform and the ventral surface. Due to the heavy blow and hard hit these flakes retain prominent cone of percussion. In India such flakes have been found associating the Pebble tool industries of the Potwar region (De Terra & Paterson, 1939), and the Lower Palaeolithic industry of the Narmada basin (Khatri A.P. 1963, p. 186). In the tradition of typical Clactonian flakes they are characterized by unprepared dorsal surface and striking platform and high angle between the striking platform and the ventral surface. These are also massive sized specimens.