Jan Evert Musch, Animal Farm,1986/1990 / o)afstntq

Reconstruction of Early Palaeolithic stoneworking techniques used to make stone sculptures. "Experiments undertaken by A. M. Wouters based on the finds at sites and microscopic inspection of the instruments have made clear that the 'Levallois' technique wsa not the only stoneworking method that produces predictable flaking. Various 'on anvil' techniques combined precision with ease."

"1a, 1b: 'Egg in egg-cup' anvil. By insertion of various sizes of pebbles the curvature of the desired notch is predictable.
2a,2b: 'Contracoupe' technique. Mainly used in Acheulian traditions. Line from point of percussion and resting point on anvil predetermines the flake." [Note: also called 'bipolar technique']
"3: Snapping off of straight facet. (For instance to form base ofa sculpture that is designed to stand on a flat surface)."
[Note: also called 'buffer technique'].
"4: Notch on pointed (conical) anvil.
5: Small notches and surface flakes; pressure along crest of flint. (Several portraits on flakes are retouched this way.)
6: 'Curling' flake due to ricochet blow. (Requires long training).
7: Pressure flaking along rough polymorph anvil.
8: Pecking (mainly with metamorphic rock)."

Illustration © J. E. Musch/Stichting Archaeologische Berichten after A. M. Wouters. Musch, J. E. (1986 revised 1990). Animal Farm: Palaeolithic Sculptures from the Northwest European Plains. Precirculated paper, World Archaeological Congress, 1986. Stichtung Archaeologishe Berichten Elst, NL. Page 22.