History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c10.s1.t6.44

v1.c10.s1.t6.44

The broad definition of Levallois technique includes more than one method of obtaining flake and blade. The principle underlying this technique is that the form of the flake/blade is predetermined on the core before it is detached. This is achieved by the preparation of cores. Preparation of core is confined primarily to the dorsal or the surface from which the flake is to be obtained, and the striking platform on which the final blow is delivered. The dorsal surface is prepared with a view to diverting force in various ways, such as to have circular, oval, cleaver-shaped, triangular or rectangular periphery. The distribution of the applied force in these manners could yield flakes of the desired shapes. On the other hand the nature, extent and position of striking platform (the angle between the dorsal and the platform) also needed preparation. The position and strength of blow was another important factor for the process. Due to various ways of the core preparation at least four distinct categories of flakes could be obtained by application of the Levallois technique. These are - Levallois technique for oval and circular flakes, Levallois point technique, Para-Levallois, and Levallois blade technique.