The challenges of identifying intentional blade fragmentation in Paleolithic industries

Fragmented tools and blanks are widely found in the assemblages of the Stone age sites. It is therefore vital that researchers are equipped with the necessary knowledge to assess the nature of such fragmentation. However, the available data on this issue is limited and somewhat contradictory, which leaves this important question unanswered at the moment.The primary objective of the current study was ascertaining whether the identification of intentionally fragmented blanks is feasible. This study is based on statistical analysis of experimentally fragmented blades of various types. The results suggest that there is no statistically significant difference in the morphology of blades fragmented by different methods. With regard to the analysis of archaeological assemblages, this indicates that demonstrating intentional blade fragmentation is a highly challenging task, and therefore should be better avoided.