Revision as of 11:25, 3 March 2010

"Science of classifying stone tools by form, techniques and technological traits. Must include duplication of the technique by first observing the intentional form, then reconstructing or replicating the tool in the exact order of the aboriginal workman. Shows elements of culture. Typology cannot be based on function." (Crabtree 1982:57^[1])

Typology is the science of artefact types. The purpose of the typological method is to classify artefacts into groups or series based on similarity in shape, size, technique, decoration/style, use or other special traits. On the basis of this similarity a conclusion can be reached concerning the development and relationship between artefacts (Østmo og Hedeager 2006; Fagen 1996).

Below you will find a typological overview of some of the most common lithic tools from the Norwegian Stone Age.
Common typological categories include:

• Axes
• Burins
• Cores
• Daggers
• Handaxes
• Micro-burins
• Microliths
• Piercers/Borers
• Projectile points see main article
• Scrapers See main article
• Sickles

Other:

• Knapping tools
• Net sinkers
• Amber artefacts

References

1. ↑ Crabtree, Don E. 1982 An Introduction to Flintworking. Occasional Papers of the Idaho Museum of Natural History 28.