Billet is a term with multiple meanings depending on context—archaeological, metallurgical, and cultural. In anthropology and material studies, it often refers to a tool or raw form used in production. 🌍 Definitions Lithic Technology (Archaeology): A billet is a soft hammer used in flintknapping, typically made of antler, bone, or wood. Used for percussion flaking…

Bilateral descent (also called bilineal descent or cognatic descent) is a kinship system in anthropology where individuals trace their lineage and inherit rights, obligations, or property through both the mother’s and the father’s family lines. It contrasts with unilineal systems (patrilineal or matrilineal), which emphasize only one side of the family. 🌍 Definition Bilateral Descent:…

Bifurcation is a general term meaning “division into two branches or parts.” In anthropology, archaeology, and related sciences, it describes both physical forms and conceptual processes where something splits into two distinct paths. 🌍 Definition Bifurcation: The splitting of a structure, process, or lineage into two branches. Etymology: From Latin bi- (“two”) + furca (“fork”).…

In lithic typology, a bifurcated base refers to a projectile point or biface whose basal end is split into two lobes by a central notch or indentation. This distinctive morphology is diagnostic of certain Archaic-period point types in North America and reflects specific hafting strategies. 🌍 Definition Bifurcated Base: A basal design where the bottom…

Bifacial flaking is one of the most fundamental lithic reduction techniques in archaeology, referring to the removal of flakes from both faces of a stone core to shape a tool. It is the hallmark of bifaces such as handaxes, knives, and projectile points. 🌍 Definition Bifacial Flaking: The process of striking or pressing flakes off…

Biface serration flaking is a lithic edge-modification technique in which small, controlled flake removals are made along the edge of a biface to create a serrated or tooth-like cutting surface. It is a hallmark of certain projectile points and knives, reflecting both functional and stylistic choices in prehistoric tool design. 🌍 Definition Biface Serration Flaking:…

Biface bevel flaking is a lithic resharpening technique in which flakes are removed from the edge of a biface in a consistent, angled direction, producing a beveled or twisted blade edge. It is a diagnostic feature of certain projectile point traditions, especially in North America. 🌍 Definition Biface Bevel Flaking: The process of creating an…

In lithic technology, a biface bevel refers to the intentional creation of an angled edge on a bifacially flaked tool, produced by alternating flake removals on opposite faces. This technique results in a slanted cutting edge rather than a straight, perpendicular one, and is often diagnostic of certain projectile point traditions. 🌍 Definition Biface Bevel:…

In lithic archaeology, a biface is a stone tool that has been flaked on both faces (sides), producing a symmetrical edge and lenticular cross-section. It is one of the most fundamental categories of prehistoric tools, spanning from early handaxes to finely crafted projectile points. 🌍 Definition Biface: A tool shaped by flaking both sides of…

In lithic technology, optics, and anatomy, biconvex describes a shape that is convex (curved outward) on both sides. It is a morphological term used across disciplines to denote symmetry and functional design. 🌍 Definition Biconvex: An object with two outwardly curved surfaces, resembling a lens or lenticular form. Contrast: Opposite of biconcave (curved inward on…

Biconical drilling is an ancient technique used to perforate stone, bone, shell, and other hard materials by drilling from both sides of an object, producing a hole that is wider at the surfaces and narrower in the middle. It is a diagnostic feature in archaeology, especially for beads, pendants, and other ornaments. 🌍 Definition Biconical…

In archaeology, lithics, and material culture, beveled refers to an edge that has been intentionally slanted, angled, or tapered rather than left perpendicular. It is a shaping technique applied to stone tools, bone implements, wood, or even architectural elements to improve function, durability, or aesthetics. 🌍 Definition Beveled Edge: An edge cut or flaked at…