Lithics 14

In Lithics 13, Mithen et al gave the impression that bifaces of ostensibly Lower Palaeolithic type are generally absent from the north of Britain and Scotland, other than the example in the Islay Museum which forms the subject of their note. The present contribution seeks to correct this impression, with particular reference to Scotland. Several examples of artefacts categorised as Lower Palaeolithic-type bifaces and discovered in Scotland are discussed, although none can be accepted as in situ occurrences of such artefacts. Whilst there is no prima facie reason why all or part of Scotland should not have been inhabited during climatically favourable phases of the Pleistocene, and there are many reasons why any archaeological evidence from such habitation might not be found, the only conclusion that can be drawn at present is that there was either no early human presence in Scotland, or that any presence was so ephemeral that no trace remains. LD

Radial flaking is one of the oldest core reduction techniques known in the manufacture of stone tools. The cores are distinctive as are their flakes, marked by convergent dorsal scars. This paper proposes an additional identifying attribute of radial flaking, a core rejuvenation flake distinguished by its pyramidal shape and by its method of removal. The radial rejuvenation flake was recognised in a recently excavated Middle Stone Age assemblage from Mumbwa Caves, central Zambia. Experimental knapping of vein quartz suggested an origin for the flake and its role in the process of radial flaking. The steps involved in rejuvenating a radial core add to the complexity of this ancient technology and suggest some behavioural implications which are examined in this article. Regardless of its temporal and spatial distribution, the 'topknot' flake demonstrates the potential of seemingly unpromising waste material to contribute to the study of human behaviour.

Short account of the replication of some of the equipment of the 'Iceman' [a well-preserved natural mummy of about 1000 BC found in the Alps in the early 1990s]. The author used only materials and tools that the Iceman or his group would have had available: wood, flint, sinew, bast and grass. He recreated a dagger blade with a hilt and a woven scabbard. The flint tools used are listed. LD

A considerable amount of Palaeolithic flint material was recovered between 1883 and 1906 from sites around the headwaters of the river Darent at Limpsfield on the Surrey/Kent border; the collection has recently come to light and is now being studied. The relationship of the various Palaeolithic sites to the complex drift geology of the Limpsfield area is described here. The area around Ridlands Farm, where the greatest quantity of material originated, has recently been investigated. However, little material was recovered and most of it exhibited Mesolithic traits. The material recovered earlier seems to have been collected after a period of deep ploughing. If this is the case, further cultural layers could remain in situ awaiting discovery. The Limpsfield artefacts need not all be contemporary. The tools from the Brickearth deposits, however, are so similar in terms of technique, style and general condition that they could be near-contemporary. If not indicative of actual occupation, they could perhaps represent successive visits by the same group of hunters. LD