Article
Bipolar Industries: Ethnographic Evidence and Archaeological Implications
North American Archaeologist
Document Type
Book
Publication Date
7-1-1989
Disciplines
Abstract
Bipolar objects are common in archaeological assemblages. Produced by hammer-and-anvil knapping, these objects generally are classified in one of two conflicting ways: as cores or as wedges. Although most archaeologists take the first view, the second remains prevalent in some quarters, especially in eastern North American Paleo-Indian studies. Setting forth and evaluating the corollaries of both views, this article concludes that most bipolar objects—even in Paleo-Indian assemblages—are cores. It also documents ethnographic observations of bipolar reduction at some length.
Citation Information
Michael J. Shott. "Bipolar Industries: Ethnographic Evidence and Archaeological Implications" North American Archaeologist Vol. 10 Iss. 1 (1989) p. 1 - 24 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/michael_shott/124/