Stone Age New York

          One of the most interesting aspects of paleo stone tool engineering is the ability of its practitioners to produce different tools for different jobs based on one typology style. These artifacts,  are based on "flared ear" typology. An extended side or "ear" on one side of the artifact forms a stem. Although both stone tools are similar, they have seperate functions. The larger artifact is a stone axe/hammer and the smaller one is a twist drill.

          Although both stone tools are based on the same typology style, the working part of the tool is reversed. The extended ear of the larger artifact is rectangular in shape and serves as a mounting stem for the axe. It is built to fit in a wooden hafting, forming a wooden handled stone axe/hammer. the flared ear on the small artifact is the working end of the drill, while the wider side forms a handle for the tool complete with grips for the thumb and forefinger.

          Multiple tools based on a single typology style is clear evidence of advanced stone tool engineering innovation by paleo stone masons in the northeastern US at the close of the Pleistocene.

          Photo 1: Stone axe/hammer. Tool is based on flared ear typology. Artifact is close to 11 inches in length. Upper part of artifact has grips for all fingers of right hand. Rectangular Flared Ear handle is shaped to fit in square wood hafting.

          Photo 2: Twist drill made from fossilized stone. Wider part of artifact has thumb, middle and forefinger grips. Artifact is also based on flared ear typology.