"Francois Bordes, Director of the Laboratory of
Prehistory, University of Bordeax, demonstrated how stone blades were
probably made by direct percussion and by the punch technique, and Don
Crabtree, an expert in lithic technology, demonstrates various methods
of manufacturing tools by pressure flaking techniques. Chronological
implications of various techniques are explained. Pressure flaking
techniques were probably invented as a method of retouching and refining
tools
formed by percussion flaking; this improvement enabled man to develop
delicate and elaborate tools and greatly increased his efficiency not
only as a hunter but later as an agriculturist and artisan. From stone
blades, Prof. Bordes fashions Upper Paleolithic tools such as burins,
awls, scrapers, and knives. Mesolithic techniques of fabricating microburins,
used to make sophisticated hafted tools are shown. He also illustrates
the working of Solutrean bifacial foliate points by direct percussion,
indicating that laurel leaf points were probably made by percussion
flaking, not by pressure flaking as was formerly thought. Prof. Bordes
demonstrated the initial percussion shaping of a tool which Don Crabtree
then completes by means of pressure flaking. Mr. Crabtree also shows
in detail the fluting of Folsom points and the elegant Valley of Mexico
blade technique. Methods of working with flint and obsidian are illustrated,
and the uses of many tools are described as their production is shown.
In a dramatic conclusion, the film demonstrates that the Valley of
Mexico blade made from obsidian had the sharpest cutting edge man had ever
been able to devise. The film is intended for general use at the high
school, college, and adult levels in the study of physical and cultural
anthropology, archaeology, and arts and crafts." -- UC
University of Minnesota Campuses