129(S-06-1) Experienced and inexperienced knappers of Levallois technology

Lithic artifacts are one of the primary sources for reconstructing learning behaviors in the Palaeolithic period. The intra-site distribution of lithic tools and their manufacturing debris could provide evidence that assists in identifying the spatial positioning of the experienced and inexperienced knappers in a workshop area. Similarly, the adequate technological examination of refitted cores and flakes could lead to the determination of how knappers had the necessary knowledge and skills for a given core reduction method. Nevertheless, these research strategies are applicable only when archaeologists can successfully distinguish the skill levels of different prehistoric knappers on the basis of the lithic remains. It is not always straightforward to distinguish the skill levels particularly in the case of the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic artifacts, which were manufactured with relatively simple technologies. This paper reviews recent attempts to identify experienced and inexperienced knappers at Palaeolithic sites, and it addresses a possibility that different skill levels could be identified for Levallois assemblages of the Middle Palaeolithic. The results of our preliminary flint knapping experiments for Levallois core reduction will also be presented.