CORE

Face A of WAW-148C02 preserves evidence of 5 previous flake removals, the flake scars. These removals are generally indicative of centripedal flaking patterns, with the core rotating through the hands of the knapper. The scars of these flakes show broadly similar magnitude of damage e.g. abrasion of ridges between flake scars. This face of WAW-148C02 shows extensive ‘battering’ damage, in the form of a great number of incipient cones of percussion – the small marks that develop on flint as it impacts with other lithic materials, such as those shown within the dotted rectangle below. These cones are scattered across much of the face of WAW-148C02, and as such do not relate to deliberate percussion, but are the result of natural impacts with other stones. WAW-148C02 shows modern edge damage at several locations – most extensively in the tip region. These modern damage removals may mirror intentional retouch, in the tip region particularly, however they are unpatinated and therefore or a lesser age than the other flaked surfaces. Face B of WAW-148C02 preserves evidence of 6 previous flake removals (full or partial flake scars). These removals are again, generally indicative of centripedal flaking patterns. The scars of these flakes show broadly similar magnitude of damage e.g. abrasion of ridges between flake scars. This face also shows ‘battering’ damage, in the form incipient cones of percussion across the face. Face B has also been subject to modern damage. The tip shape is substantially modified as a result of the modern flakes removed from this area (visible on Face A). The butt area of Face B shows a recent larger removal (the area of unpatinated black flint), which has also been subject to smaller removals. These smaller removals are again similar to intentional retouch patterns, however they are very localised and of recent origin – most probably the result of crushing of this edge of the piece. The Edge Profiles of WAW-148C02 also reflect the combination of ancient intentional flaking, ancient damage and more recent damage. The modern damage stands out, as shown below, as light grey and black scars in the flint which strip through the staining and patination that has developed over the millennia and showing the original colouration of the flint. Small portions of the original edge remain, though even this has been subject to crushing type damage in antiquity. None of the edge flaking can be considered to be the result of intentional retouch – fragments of the original edge shape remain, though slightly modified by natural forces. Despite fairly extensive modern and ancient damage, WAW-148C02 shows convincing evidence of intentional (human) flaking to both faces. The edges of this piece have been heaviliy modified post-deposition, and the resulting micro-flaking present is considered to be the result of natural processes. The knapping is not indicative of a specific technology, such as Levallois, or specific tool type. I would classify WAW-148C02 as a Palaeolithic core fragment/worked piece.