In
lithic analysis (a subdivision of
archaeology
Archaeology or archeology is the study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture. The archaeological record consists of Artifact (archaeology), artifacts, architecture, biofact (archaeology), biofacts or ecofacts, ...
), an eraillure is a flake removed from a
lithic flake
In archaeology, a lithic flake is a "portion of rock (geology), rock removed from an objective piece by percussion or pressure,"Andrefsky, W. (2005) ''Lithics: Macroscopic Approaches to Analysis''. 2d Ed. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press and ...
's
bulb of force, which is a lump left on the ventral surface of a flake after it is detached from a core of
tool stone during the process of
lithic reduction.
[Hiscock, Peter. (1997]
Glossary of Terms used in "Lithic" Analysis."
Australian National University. Retrieved 2011-12-14. The mechanics of eraillure formation are related to the propagation of a
Hertzian cone of force through the
cryptocrystalline matrix of the stone, but the particulars are poorly understood. Eraillures usually form only when a
hammerstone is used for lithic reduction, and then only occasionally; use of 'soft' hammer fabricators made from
bone
A bone is a rigid organ that constitutes part of the skeleton in most vertebrate animals. Bones protect the various other organs of the body, produce red and white blood cells, store minerals, provide structure and support for the body, ...
,
antler
Antlers are extensions of an animal's skull found in members of the Cervidae (deer) Family (biology), family. Antlers are a single structure composed of bone, cartilage, fibrous tissue, skin, nerves, and blood vessels. They are generally fo ...
, and
wood
Wood is a structural tissue/material found as xylem in the stems and roots of trees and other woody plants. It is an organic materiala natural composite of cellulosic fibers that are strong in tension and embedded in a matrix of lignin t ...
produce different flake characteristics but may also produce an eraillure in rare cases.
See also
*
Stone tool
Stone tools have been used throughout human history but are most closely associated with prehistoric cultures and in particular those of the Stone Age. Stone tools may be made of either ground stone or knapped stone, the latter fashioned by a ...
References
{{Prehistoric technology
Lithics