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UNDERSTANDING CHIPPED STONE TOOLS

BRIAN HAYDEN
Simon Fraser University (Burnaby) and
University of British Columbia (Vancouver)
British Columbia, Canada

From the reviews . . .

“[Seeks] to help the reader understand stone tools as parts of systems and lives rather than in isolation or as a category of an assemblage. This volume brings a valuable and deep perspective which benefits everyone from the student to the experienced archaeologist. Anyone with an interest in stone tools . . . will find something to broaden their perspectives in Understanding Chipped Stone Tools.”
Arthur W. Anderson in Canadian Journal of Archaeology

“[W]ritten in an informal and engaging style that makes the book an easy read. Those starting their careers with an interest in lithic artifacts will likely find the book very useful. For those who have a background in chipped stone tool analysis, the book will likely provide a somewhat different perspective on lithic analysis. In either case, I can highly recommend Understanding Chipped Stone Tools.
Andrew P. Bradbury in North American Archaeologist

“Brian Hayden’s book is informative and serves its purpose well. As a reader, I was offered enjoyable insights into his work on stone tools and provided with a good introduction to Design Theory and its application in lithic analysis. The volume is a fine text for those who have just begun their journey in studying the complexities of lithic analysis and will complement their further reading.”
Anders Högberg in Antiquity

“Understanding Chipped Stone Tools is a useful resource for students, researchers and anyone interested in the study of ancient tools and their significance in human history . . . . The author’s expertise in the field is evident and the book is written in a clear and accessible style, making it a must-read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating subject.”
Yinika L. Perston in Australian Archaeology

“[A] refreshing approach to understanding the basics of stone tools . . . conveyed in an approachable manner. . . . This book is an enjoyable read that will certainly encourage readers to see the excitement and passion that students of lithic technology experience in the study of stone tools. The length and pacing of the book make it easily digestible and accessible to a wide audience.”
Charles Andrew Speer in American Antiquity

“Multiple approaches in different specific areas help readers comprehend the integrity of lithic studies. Additionally, Hayden also shares his personal experiences in this field with students. . . . He avoids using complicated sentence structure. Non-native English speakers can deal with this study readily. . . . Understanding Chipped Stone Tools is a good, digested contribution to create a simple background about lithic analysis.”
Görkem Cenk Yesilova in Lithic Technology

Prepublication praise . . .

“A sophisticated introduction to basic lithic analysis, written in an informal and engaging style. Employing a design theory perspective and stressing a need for active experimentation, it views lithic artifacts as a solution to substantive problems and sociopolitical realities. An excellent lithics primer.”
Christopher J. Ellis, University of Western Ontario

“In this excellent primer, Hayden uses his extensive background in ethnographic and experimental work to introduce students to stone tools and offers them a framework for how to think about stone tool technology. I wish I could have written this book!”
Robert L. Kelly, University of Wyoming

“The author draws on his lifelong experimentation with lithic materials, ethnographic investigations, and conversations with knappers and archaeologists in compiling this comprehensive primer. Using design theory as the theoretical fulcrum, Hayden provides practical, down-to-earth advice about how to tackle lithic assemblages.”
Deborah Olausson, Lund University

CONTENTS

Chapter 1
Perspectives on Ethics

Chapter 2
Design Theory

Chapter 3
Design Theory as Applied to Lithic Analysis

Chapter 4
Tier 1: Analyzing Stone Tools

Chapter 5
Tier 2: Basic Reduction Strategies and Specialized Types

Chapter 6
Tier 3: Design Considerations

Chapter 7
Changes

Chapter 8
Total Assemblages

Chapter 9
Precepts and Prospects

Sources for Images

Glossary

A volume in the series Principles of Archaeology

ISBN 978-1-7342818-6-6/paperback/160 pp./illus./May 2022/$32.95