History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c10.s1.t7: C. Techniques for modifying edge & tip of tools
History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c10.s1.t7
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C. Techniques for modifying edge & tip of tools
v1.c10.s1.t7.1
Careful and controlled flaking was done to modify the edge and tip of artifacts throughout the Palaeolithic period, which is referred to as retouching. This effort was particularly needed to give shape, increase sharpness of the edge and even blunting the edge of a flake or a blade. Various types of scrapers and pointed implements were made by retouching. Retouching during the Palaeolithic period was performed by direct percussion technique and by using both stone hammer or soft and cylindrical hammer. These are categorized within two types e.g., the low angle retouch and the high angle retouch. Low angle retouching was done primarily during the Lower and the Middle Palaeolithic phases when edge of flake needed to be sharpened. The angle of the retouched portion in this case range around 60° - 70°. But, with the prevalence of blade technology when both the edges were sharp there was a need to blunt one of the edges for hafting purposes. It was due to this requirement that retouching at high angle (more than 70° - 75°) had to be initiated. During Upper Paleolithic various forms of backed blades or knives were made by high angle retouching or blunting. In India though both the types of retouchings were done, the amount of modification of the form of edges were not a very general practice. With the result, our Palaeolithic tool-kits appear mediocre in comparison to the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic implement collections of Europe.
v1.c10.s1.t7.2
The bone and antler industry which had flourished during, the Upper Palaeolithic phase of Europe (Bordes, 1968, pp.147-166), is not well represented in India. Though there are a few claims for bone tools, these are either lost or if available do not evidence good workmanship. But, the specimen which has been reported from Gravel III of Belan, Uttar Pradesh, and referred to as ‘Mother goddess figurine’ (Misra, V.D. 1977, Pl.V) evidence good craftsmanship, but appears to be an isolated example of its kind. In correspondence with the paucity of bone craftsmanship, the Upper Palaeolithic collections in India, in general, lack presence of burins. Even when present this type is simple formed and much restricted in number (Jayaswal 1978, pp. 174 - 193).
v1.c10.s1.t7.3
It may be recalled that burin is a specialized implement form which was used for working and engraving bone, antler and ivory (Jayaswal, 1987, pp. 42 - 45). It may not be a mere coincidence that both burin industry and the bone/ivory craftsmanship flourished in Europe during upper Palaeolithic times.