A Proposed Method for Distinguishing Between Blades and Bladelets

Abstract

In studies of lithic assemblages from the Levant, establishing metric parameters for distinguishing between blades and bladelets has been a recurrent problem. Recently, it has been shown that many assemblages simply do not fit the generalized definitions proposed by such researchers as Tixier and others. This paper presents a method for defining the two elements on an assemblage-specific basis thus providing a more valid foundation for defining interassemblage variability. The proposed method is based on the Observation of length/width scattergrams and frequency histograms, and the application of discriminant analysis.