In lithic archaeology, baseward flaking refers to the removal of flakes from a stone tool or projectile point in a direction toward its base (the hafting end), rather than toward the tip. It is a specific flintknapping technique used to shape, thin, or prepare the basal portion of an artifact for hafting.

🌍 Definition

• Baseward Flaking: Intentional flake removal oriented toward the basal edge of a biface or projectile point.
• Purpose: To thin the base, create notches, or prepare the surface for secure hafting onto a shaft.
• Orientation: Opposite of tipward flaking, which shapes the blade or cutting edge.

🔑 Archaeological Contexts

• Hafting Preparation:
  • Baseward flaking often accompanies basal thinning and grinding.
  • Ensures bindings (sinew, fiber, cordage) grip securely without slippage.
• Projectile Points:
  • Seen in Paleoindian points (e.g., Clovis, Dalton) where basal preparation was critical.
  • Diagnostic scars reveal flaking direction and technique.
• Typology & Classification:
  • Archaeologists use flake scar orientation (baseward vs. tipward) to identify point types and cultural traditions.

📚 Importance in Anthropology

• Technological Insight: Demonstrates advanced control in flintknapping and foresight in tool design.
• Cultural Identity: Specific flaking strategies are markers of particular archaeological cultures.
• Comparative Value: Highlights differences between fluting, notching, grinding, and thinning as hafting solutions.
• Material Culture: Reflects manipulation of minerals like flint, chert, and obsidian to achieve precise morphology.

In short: Baseward flaking is the removal of flakes toward the base of a stone point, a key technique for hafting preparation and cultural identification in lithic analysis.