A Study on Paleolithic Hafting of Stone Tools

Hafting of Paleolithic stone tools has been a widely recognized practice essential for understanding lithic technology. However, research in Korea has predominantly focused on the typology and edge morphology of stone tools, with limited investigation into hafting. This study aims to enhance the understanding of hafting, particularly in Upper Paleolithic end scrapers from Korea. Hafting, which emerged at least 300,000 years ago, demonstrates the cognitive sophistication of early humans, enabling them to control tool shape and size through specific techniques. While the haft was often reused, the tool component was retouched to fit, leaving distinctive traces of use, production, and hafting. From a lithic technological perspective, this study examines the concept and significance of hafting, haft types, and attachment methods. Through use-wear analysis supported by experiments and ethnographic data, four primary hafting techniques for end scrapers were identified. Future research will focus on material properties, morphometrics, and use-wear analysis to further advance the study of hafting and Paleolithic tool-use traditions.