Flake vs. Tool Poll

[Mud Hawk]

Just wanted to do a poll on the flake and more specifically, to see where other members stand on whether a utilized flake is a tool or not... Some may not even believe in edge wear so all are represented.

Attached is a pic of what I believe shows signs of edge wear/use (for a reference point). Sure there are some that might disagree which is also cool.

The pic is not the focus here!



*Poll will not show usernames*

[comanche]

Mud hawk,,,,I hit a spot yesterday that I picked up about 100 pieces of debutage,,,,,I can spot the Worked flakes pretty quick,,,I really liked Tony Bakers Article.
Worth reading again.
THE FLAKE--Stepchild of Lithic Analysis

[Mojave]

I'm not sure I understand the question. Do you mean 'were flakes sometimes made deliberately for use as tools' ...or 'were flakes resulting from point making sometimes used for purposes other than points' ...or ???

Regardless, I would emphatically say yes to all the above.

[Mud Hawk]

LOL C, your memory must be going! We already had discussions about this article !

... It is a great one though.

already have my opinion on flakes and when they enter the realm of "Tool". Sure, I catch alot of grief about it but it's my stance. Just doing a poll to see the divide of opinion on Arrowheadology.

[Mud Hawk]

Originally Posted by Mojave

'were flakes sometimes made deliberately for use as tools' ...or 'were flakes resulting from point making sometimes used for purposes other than points'

A flake is still a flake in the end from both of those possibilities however that could be another good poll! This poll is to see the divide in when a flake (of any size/shape/source) enters the realm of tool with only edgewear as the prerequisite. There are lots of members that don't think a utilized flake should be defined as a tool... I just want to get an idea of the percentage. Hope that helps?

[eddies]

cool post i just voted

[arrow719]

Of course a utilized flake is a tool, that's fact not opinion. Here's the rub: many people have a hard time telling the difference between a utilized flake and a flake that is just a result of knapping. Also since utilized flakes are so common and lack sex appeal many of us only pick up the better ones and leave the rest behind.

[Mojave]

Maybe my perspective is a bit too anthropological.
I would say that anything used by man (rock, bone, stick, tooth, fingernail, etc.) to affect a change in something else is by definition a "tool" regardless of wear.
So I guess my answer is that if there is evidence that something was used, then of course it was used (as a tool).
I'm struggling to come up with a case where someone could "use" something for some reason without it being a "tool."

[Mojave]

How about evidence of fingernail impressions on pottery as proof that fingernails were used as tools...
Interesting discussion. Thanks.

[Mud Hawk]

I agree fully with what Arrow719 and Mojave have stated. I don't however feel everyone agrees as to when a flake earns the title of tool with the only indicator being edgewear.