Understanding Stone Tools and Archaeological Sites [Hardcover]

Brian P. Kooyman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2000

This generously illustrated instructional guide explains the examination and analysis of stone tools and stone-tool sites anywhere in the world. Lithics expert Brian P. Kooyman explores the production, function, and context of stone tools to understand how human cultures used lithic tools at particular sites and to give readers the practical skills for lithic and site analysis. The guide covers manufacturing techniques, lithic types and materials, reduction strategies and techniques, worldwide lithic technology, production variables, meaning of form, and usewear and residue analysis. The author draws on extensive field work in North America, particularly at Head-Smashed-In in Alberta, Canada. However, the theory, methodology, and analysis applies to the investigation of stone tools and lithic sites worldwide.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The design and writing style are inviting . . . Dr. Kooyman's approachable introduction will be popular with students." (Antiquity )

From the Publisher

Published in association with the University of Calgary Press --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 214 pages
• Publisher: University of New Mexico Press (June 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826323006
• ISBN-13: 978-0826323002
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,113,972 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars This is a VERY HELPFUL BOOK 5 star book!!!!! great!!! get it!, June 23, 2006

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Rough Customer (on your six) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Understanding Stone Tools and Archaeological Sites (Paperback)

At first blush, this book is right down my alley. After reading the book, about 50% of it is too technical for the layman/armchair archaeologist. The other 50% is oustanding, containing great information, discussion and breakdown of producing lithic tools, the life cycle of lithic tools, etc. Especially engrossing the creation method of Clovis tools. The authors listing of the different views of various knappers, and experts on certain aspects of making stone tools, was a little disjointed. I understand what he was doing, but the presentation was a bit odd. His views on preserving archaeological sites, was extreme. Save parts of sites, or all of some, but don't save all would be a more productive method. The authors work at the "head-smashed-in" bison jump is to be commended, as is his other published archaeological studies and works. Generally his explainations of complex scientific methods and theories, is well done. Many of the methods and theories are just too advanced for the average layman to understand. His stated temperatures for heat treating chert, even though in (Canadian) Celius rather than Fahrenheit, seem way off base, which in itself is a very minor complaint. ****I do highly recommend this book the three star at top is an error on my part. this book I go back and refer to many times...

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for students of American archaeology., September 4, 2000

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Stone Tools and Archaeological Sites (Hardcover)

Understanding Stone Tools and Archaeological Sites balances a hands-on analysis of North American stone tools and prehistoric stone tool manufacturing with facts based on fieldwork, providing students of archaeology with a primer for understanding stone tools and site analysis proceedings. Essential for any student of American archaeological studies.

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Analysis in ancient stool tools and their use., January 9, 2007

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Indiana Lee (Texas/Michigan) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Understanding Stone Tools and Archaeological Sites (Hardcover)

Living in a constant threat environment it was a race for survival. Ancient man only made and produce what he needed to survive. He also made tools then that were simple and easy as possible to produce. Early man did not have the time to produce complex tools. This is a excellent book on stone tools.