Lithic Waste Flakes as a Measure of Cultural Affinity: A New Zealand Case Study

Abstract

The morphology of lithologically defined flake assemblages from Heaphy River, the Hauraki Gulf and the Coromandel Peninsula is analyzed quantitatively for technological differences. A broad distinction is drawn between adze or core tool debris and flake tool debris. Adze debris differs in platform angle, various measures of thickness relative to other measures of size, and shape. Adze debris is compared with biade debris from Oturehua, Central Otago. There are very close affinities between adze reduction and the manufacture of blades from prismatic cores. Adze flaking debris with low striking platform angles is probably related to the production of adzes of lenticular section, as at Riverton, Southland Higher platform angles are caused by reduction of quadrangular or near- quadrangular section adzes.