LEVALLOIS TECHNIQUE Meaning and
Definition
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The Levallois technique is a method used in prehistoric stone tool industry, characterized by the systematic and sophisticated pattern of stone tool production. Named after the region of Levallois-Perret in France where it was first identified, this technique involves the deliberate shaping of stone cores to create flake-shaped tools.
The process of Levallois technique begins with the selection of a suitable core, usually a large stone, which is then prepared by striking off some angular flakes in a predetermined way. This preparation creates a distinctive core with flat surfaces and a distinctive shape. Once the core has been prepared, the toolmaker will continue to strike flakes from it, using a specialized technique, known as the "Levallois method". This method involves striking the core in a precise manner to detach flakes of desired size and shape. These flakes, known as Levallois flakes, exhibit a characteristic curved shape, indicating the controlled and deliberate approach employed in their production.
The Levallois technique represents a significant advancement in stone tool technology, as it allows for the production of tools with specific shapes and sizes, tailored to meet the needs of different tasks. It suggests a higher level of cognitive and technical skills possessed by early humans, as the deliberate shaping of the core requires planning and foresight. The Levallois technique is considered a hallmark of the Middle Paleolithic period and is widely recognized as a major milestone in the development of stone tool industries.
Etymology of LEVALLOIS TECHNIQUE
The term "Levallois technique" is named after the suburb of Paris called Levallois-Perret, where archaeological excavations in the 19th century uncovered several prehistoric stone tools made with this specific technique. The technique itself is associated with the Middle Paleolithic period, and it involves carefully preparing a flint core into a specific shape before striking off uniform flakes to create tools. The Levallois technique is considered a significant technological advancement in the production of stone tools during that era.
