A study of lithic refitting and the Middle Palaeolithic prepared core technology in South Bihar, India

A study of lithic refitting and the Middle Palaeolithic prepared core technology in South Bihar, India | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article A study of lithic refitting and the Middle Palaeolithic prepared core technology in South Bihar, India Akash Pandey This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5974142/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 26 Jun, 2025 Read the published version in Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences → Version 1 posted 9 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This study presents a comprehensive technological analysis of the Middle Palaeolithic assemblage from the Kharagpur Hills, South Bihar, India, integrating refitting studies to investigate complete reduction sequence. The assemblage consists of Levallois, discoid, and other prepared cores, systematically collected from surface clusters using a grid-based method. The gradual exposure of encapsulated sediments due to erosional processes driven by post-depositional agents led to the uncovering of these lithic clusters. Notably, the absence of inter-cluster/locus refits and conjoins at three nearby clusters suggests that lithic materials remained largely confined within their respective clusters, implying minimal movement of unfinished blanks across the site. Locally available fine-grained quartzite was primarily exploited as raw materials, emphasizing the role of regional lithic resources in lithic production. The refitting analysis provides critical insights into the technological approaches employed in both Levallois and discoid reduction, marking a significant contribution to South Asian Middle Palaeolithic studies. The complete sequence of discoid core exploitation, from initial reduction to discard, and the multiple rounds of Levallois reduction including preparation and production stages, reconstructed through refitting, enhance our knowledge of hominin knapping strategies. Interestingly, even within Levallois reduction, striking platforms are predominantly plain, indicating a preference for direct flake removal without extensive platform modifications. Furthermore, the scarcity of tools across all clusters, except one, along with the absence of selective blanks, suggests that tool modification occurred at specific areas different from primary knapping spots, highlighting the spatial organization of lithic production and use. Levallois discoid Refit Indian Middle Palaeolithic South Bihar Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 17 Figure 18 Figure 19 Figure 20 Figure 21 Introduction Middle Palaeolithic Overview The Middle Palaeolithic, a flake tool industry, is dominated by the presence of prepared core technologies (PCT) such as Levallois. Though, the Middle Palaeolithic industries are dominated by prepared core elements, little percentage of bifaces are present in the assemblages of Europe (ref.) and South Asia (Akhilesh et al. 2018; Anil et al. 2022), while bifaces are totally absent in the Middle Paleolithic industries of the Levant (Hovers and Belfer-Cohen 2013; Sharon 2014; Hérisson and Soriano 2020; Mathias et al. 2020; Rosenberg-Yefet et al., 2022) and the Middle Stone Age industries of Africa (Tryon and Faith 2013; Richter et al. 2017). Studies suggest complex pictures for the origin of Levallois technology and its origin can be traced in the Late Acheulian. Researchers suggest bifaces more particularly handaxes transformed into cores to produce preferential flakes (DeBono and Goren-Inbar, 2001; Shimelmitz et al., 2016; tuffreau 1995), prepared-cores featuring some characteristics of proto-Levallois technology (Moncel et al. 2020; White and Ashton 2003), other core technologies such as Victoria West (though Lycett (2009) refuted for assigning them proto-Levallois cores and adopted the term para-Levallois) and Tabelbala-Tachengit giant core (Sharon 2009), and cores of the Kapthurin Formation (Tryon et al., 2005; Johnson and McBrearty, 2012) or a combination of various technological trajectories such as bifacial and Late Acheulian prepared core technologies (Rosenberg-Yefet et al., 2021, 2022) may be considered potential precursors for the origin of the Levallois technology. The term discoid means a disc-like shape which describes the morphology of cores without providing any insights into their flaking method (Terradas 2003). Bordes (1961) described classic discoid as bifacial cores having bipyramidal section. However, diversity in discoid core exploitation methods documented in archaeological contexts are more for example unifacial hierarchical, bifacial hierarchical, bifacial non-hierarchical, multifacial hierarchical, and multifacial non-hierarchical (Jaubert and Farizy 1995; Jaubert and Mourre 1996; Locht and Swinnen 1994; Locht et al. 1995; Moncel 1998; Pasty 2000; Peresani 2003). Boeda (1993) provided four technical criteria for differentiating discoid with Levallois recurrent centripetal method. However, discoid bifacial core with hierarchical surface and Levallois recurrent centripetal cores may cause confusion in precisely attributing them to a specific flaking method. Recent studies, including comparative analyses of the productivity of Levallois recurrent centripetal and the discoid method using experimental archaeology (Picin and Vaquero 2016) and the distinction between them and their products through machine learning (Bustos-Pérez et al. 2023; González-Molina et al. 2020) have contributed extensively to the understanding of these flaking methods. Recent advances in Middle Palaeolithic research in India During last two decades, recent studies on the securely dated prepared core assemblages from Attirampakkam (~385-172 ka) in Tamil Nadu (Akhilesh et al. 2018), Hanumanthunipadu (~247 ka) (Anil et al. 2022), Motravulapadu (~52 ka) (Anil et al. 2023), Retlapalle (~140-64 ka) (Anil et al. 2024), and Jwalapuram in Andhra Pradesh (~79-38 ka) (Petraglia et al. 2007, 2009; Clarkson et al. 2012), Dhaba (~80-47 ka) in Madhya Pradesh (Clarkson et al. 2020), Kataoti (~95.6-48 ka) (Blinkhorn et al. 2013) and 16R Dune (130-109 ka) (Blinkhorn 2013) in Rajasthan, Sandhav in Gujarat (~114 ka) (Blinkhorn et al. 2019) have placed South Asian Middle Palaeolithic in the Middle Pleistocene continuing till the later part of the Late Pleistocene. Research supports regional origin of the Middle Palaeolithic technology from the preceding Late Acheulian technology (Akhilesh et al. 2018; Anil et al. 2022). The transitional or early Middle Palaeolithic assemblages exhibit a dominance of prepared core technologies such as Levallois including a very low quantity of large bifaces, and a preference for smaller bifaces, such as diminutive handaxes, points, and cleavers (Pal 2002; Ajithprasad 2005; Akhilesh et al. 2018; Anil et al. 2022). However, Eastern India lacks comprehensively documented and systematically studied Middle Palaeolithic sites. This study could play a significant role in filling this research gap by providing new insights into lithic technology and site formation processes by applying the application of refitting. Refitting applications and emerging trends Refitting as a significant tool/application in archaeology, with its extensive and multipurpose usage since 1970s onwards, has been mentioned in “bibliography on the subject of refitting stone artefacts” (Arts and Cziesla 1987). Refitting as a methodological approach provides remarkable information about lithic technology and behaviour (Bergman and Roberts 1988; Bleed 2002; Conard and Adler 1997; Cziesla et al. 1990; Delagnes and Roche 2005; Hofman and Enloe 1992; Martínez-Moreno et al. 2019; Roche et al. 1999; Roebroeks 1988; Schiffer 1975; Schurmans and De Bie 2007; Shott et al. 2011; Skar and Coulson 2010; Sumner 2011, 2013; Van Peer et al. 2010), various factors of site formation processes such as archaeological palimpsests, stratigraphic integrity and depositional processes (Deschamps and Zilhão 2018; Pollaralo et al. 2010; Romagnoli and Vaquero 2016; Sisk and Shea 2008; Sossa-Ríos et al. 2024; Staurset et al. 2023; Sumner and Kuman 2014; Takakura 2018; Vaquero et al. 2007, 2015; Villa 1982), spatial and temporal distributions including spaces for specific functions such as knapping areas, butchering, refuse and storage spaces within a site (Brenet et al. 2018; Delagnes et al. 2006; Enloe 2010; Gaudzinski-Windheuser 2015; López-Ortega et al. 2017; Rosell et al. 2019; Vaquero et al. 2012; Vaquero et al. 2019). In recent years, the use of 3D visual technology for refitting analysis has multiple advantages such as it reduces the risk of edge damage of lithic pieces, a common worry during manual refitting, minimizes time consumption, maximizes efficiency for multifunctional metrical analysis, provides virtual reconstruction of the missing pieces (Delpiano et al. 2017), assists in the visualisation of techno-cognitive aspects involved in core reduction (Delpiano et al. 2019; Sánchez-Martínez et al. 2024), reconstructs and preserves the contexts of archaeological record during excavation (Zangrossi et al. 2019). Geographical and archaeological setting Extending just south of the river Ganga, South Bihar is characterized by a combination of Central Bihar plains and low hilly ranges that eventually merge discontinuously with the highlands of Chottanagpur Plateau (Mahadevan 2002). The Kharagpur hills (Fig. 1), the present study area, are extended across Munger, Jamui, and Lakhisarai districts in South Bihar. The region’s geology is featured by the proterozoic formation of the Chotanagpur Granitic Gneissic Complex (CGGC) and the Lower Vindhyan sequence (Mahadevan, 2002). The quartzitic and shaly formations of the Kharagpur hills, a part of Munger Group, is linked with the Lower Vindhyan sequence. These low hills are characterized by steep ridges elevating from 150 m to 600 m above MSL, forming an irregular triangular block stretching from 40 km from north to south and 55 km from east to west (Chaudhury, 1960). These hills are suited for human habitation as they have valleys and several hot and cold-water springs. Previous studies highlighted the region’s rich prehistoric past comprising cultural phases from the Acheulian to the Neolithic period (Bhattacharya and Singh 1997, 1998, 2001; Pant and Jayaswal 1991; Pant et al. 1978; Singh 2013, 2018). However, only a few sites were excavated, and that too four decades ago (Pant and Jayaswal 1980; Pant and Jayaswal 1991). During recent field exploration several new sites have been documented by the present author in the region (in the press). Lithic artefacts associated with well-stratified sediment layers across various sites were documented during field survey. By comparing similar sedimentary layers based on geomorphic contexts of previously reported and newly documented sites, a composite Quaternary stratigraphy has been developed for the region. The Middle Palaeolithic assemblages are associated with the reddish calcareous silt deposit having sedimentary deposit ranging from 2-10 meters at various sites in the region. Because of the recent erosion of the sediments due to various natural agents, mostly rain waters, lithic artefacts are exposed on the surface. Because of erosion of sediments, small rain gullies are formed in these sites. Materials and methods The present study examines the prepared core assemblages systematically collected by grid method (Fig. 2) from six clusters at four open-air sites and some randomly collected samples (Fig. 1). The location of each cluster and sites is provided in supplementary Table 1. A total of 1036 lithic artefacts were analyzed in this study. The count of artefacts from each cluster and count of artefacts from random collection and methods of reduction exploited in each cluster are provided in Table 1. The spatial distribution of each artefact within a cluster is plotted in grid (Fig. 3). Table 1 Count of lithic pieces from each cluster and total number of artefacts after conjoining Cluster locality name Major technological type No. of lithic pieces collected Total no. of artefacts after conjoining Gurmha (GMA) cluster Levallois 48 48 Sohdihwa (SOH) cluster Levallois 78 76 Chormara Camp (CMA) cluster Prepared 46 39 Parsatari cluster 1 Discoid 366 337 Parsatari cluster 2 Discoid 294 269 Parsatari cluster 3 Levallois 107 94 Miscellaneous Levallois, discoid, and other prepared 173 173 Total 1112 1036 Refitting and Conjoining The methods involved during field work for artefact collection from clusters were adopted using raw material unit (RMU), an approach broadly adopted in refitting analysis (Conard and Adler 1997; Dietl et al. 2005; Mora et al. 2020; Roebroeks 1988; Sossa-Ríos et al. 2024). During field exploration the present author identified lithic cluster scattered on the surface at Parsatari (PTI). Following close examination, it was apparent that all the lithic pieces within the cluster resulted from the knapping event of same raw material nodule or block, indicating potential areas of knapping activity preserved at the site. At Parsatari, three such clusters were identified within a range of 8 m diameter. Extension of each cluster was measured and grids in 50 or 100 cm according to the size of cluster were plotted. After plotting grids, each artefact was labelled numerically, and their spatial distribution was documented manually by the help of measuring tape and a 2D spatial distribution of artefacts within a cluster was plotted on printed graph paper and cataloged on a notebook. The spatial distribution of lithic artefacts at all six clusters were recorded by the same method. Following, the next task involved examining the refitting of lithic artefacts in the laboratory. During the next methodological approach, refitting and conjoining (for fragmented pieces) trials for potential match of lithic pieces over a period of 45 days were executed. In recent years, several methodological approaches have been undertaken to develop standardized methods for refitting processes (Cooper and Qiu 2006; Delpiano et al. 2019; Hofman 1992; Laughlin and Kelly 2010). Though, this study adopted manual method of refitting, a set of variables were adopted for refitting methodology which helped in successful completion of task. Firstly, artefacts from each cluster were classified into RMU. Following this, complete and fragmented pieces within a RMU are segregated and their fragmentation portions such as siret, proximal, medial, distal, and unidentified were documented and attempts of a potential match were conducted. Further, metrical and Table 2 Analyzed artefact counts Studied artefacts PTI C1 PTI C2 PTI C3 SOH Clus GMA Clus CMR Clus MIS Total n n n n n n n n Cores Initialized cores 2 2 4 Initialized prepared core 5 5 Prepared core 5 5 Initialized Levallois core 4 4 Levallois preferential 1 1 2 4 Levallois recurrent centripetal 1 6 7 Initialized discoid core 1 1 Unifacial discoid 1 1 Bifacial discoid 2 1 7 10 Core-on-flake 1 1 Core fragment 2 2 Total 3 3 1 1 1 35 44 Flake types Cortical flake (> 50%) 2 2 4 2 1 3 14 Cortical flake (< 50%) 5 9 4 2 4 7 31 Naturally core-edge flake 1 1 Cortical core-edge flake 5 1 6 Trimming striking platform 3 1 8 6 12 10 40 Ordinary flake 13 9 2 6 1 6 11 48 Centripetal flake 9 6 4 2 1 2 13 37 Predetermining Levallois flake 16 6 22 Levallois Point 1 1 Levallois preferential 1 6 7 Levallois rec. centripetal 3 3 Debordant flake 15 9 6 7 3 3 9 52 Pseudo Levallois point 5 4 3 3 4 19 Kombewa-type flake 3 1 4 Re-shaping flaking surface 1 2 7 3 3 16 Knapping accident 9 8 10 2 5 5 22 61 Fragment with cortex 8 10 2 2 4 4 30 Fragment without cortex 94 71 39 16 10 10 17 257 Convexity maintenance flake 4 4 8 Wider than long flake 2 7 9 Quadrangular flake 6 6 12 Elongated flake 7 12 1 1 2 23 Total 189 158 76 74 46 39 119 701 Tools Retouched flake 1 3 4 Bifacial point 1 1 Notched tool 2 2 Tanged point 1 1 Scraper 12 12 Total 1 19 20 Microdebitage 145 108 17 1 271 Total 337 269 94 76 48 39 173 1036 technological attributes of each single complete piece and fragmented pieces that were conjoined together were documented. Metrical attributes are important for refitting. Additionally, other variables, such as impurities in form of bands, fissures, foliation, stains, or other marks observed on cores with those on flakes, hold significant potential for enhancing refitting matches. Technological understanding of lithic pieces, particularly in case the core is available in the assemblage is very significant to match a potential refit. For example, in case of lithic clusters having Levallois core reduction, flakes such as cortical, core edge removal, striking platform preparation, Levallois preferential, Levallois recurrent centripetal and so many have specific sequence of reduction and position of flaking and therefore, their identifications make attempts of refitting easier. Lithic analysis This research adopted the framework of a chaîne opératoire approach, emphasizing the reconstruction of core reduction sequence (Boëda 1993, 1994; Inizan et al. 1999). Firstly, the lithic assemblage was categorized based on basic morphological typology, including cores, unmodified blanks, tools, and microdebitage. The type of cores has been discussed in detail in Table 2. Finished tools were classified according to their widely used diagnostic typology. Technological typology of the Levallois and prepared cores and flakes are adopted by (Picin 2014; Picin and Carbonell 2016) while technological typology of discoid cores and flakes are adopted after (Boëda 1993; Brenet and Folgado 2003; Marco 2003; Picin 2014; Picin and Carbonell 2016; Terradas 2003). The dorsal scar pattern and striking platform types were adopted after Picin (2014). The organization (position, chronology, and direction) of scars and refitted flakes were identified, and successive reduction stages were reconstructed. Illustration of refitted flakes in cores represent chronological sequence of core reduction. All refitted flakes have been marked with a distinct shade of color and positioned in descending order to show succession of reduction sequence while those chronologically indistinct or undetermined have been combined with (/) symbol. Arrow shows direction of flake removal, while arrow with solid circle and + shows direction of blow with preserved bulb. Results State of preservation The structural properties of raw materials significantly influence the efficiency and outcome of the knapping process. The lithic artifacts are generally well-preserved, exhibiting a fresh appearance. However, in some cores, internal impurities such as fissures and natural joints led to the formation of weak fracture planes, causing breakage during the knapping process. The assemblage shows a high fragmentation rate (49.64%), which can be attributed to either knapping accidents or post-depositional processes. Siret fractures are particularly common, likely resulting from knapping accidents made by novice knappers or pre-existing weak fracture planes within the cores. Additionally, hinge and step terminations are observed among the flake fragments, further indicating the impact of raw material properties and knapping methods. Dimensions of artefacts The size of Levallois cores ranges from 41.5 mm to 122.7 mm (Table 3), while the largest preferential Levallois flake measures 127.3 x 131.91 x 31.08 mm (Fig. 16a, Table 4). Although the mean length of discoid cores is greater than that of Levallois (Table 3), the mean lengths of Levallois, discoid, and prepared flakes are relatively similar. However, statistical analysis reveals a significant difference in length between Levallois and discoid flakes ( p = 0.0069), whereas width ( p = 0.5848) and thickness ( p = 0.21) do not show any significant differences. This suggests that while length variation may be influenced by distinct reduction strategies, width and thickness remain more consistent across flake types. Table 3 Metrical data of cores Category Levallois core Discoid core Prepared core Min Max μ σX Min Max μ σX Min Max μ σX Length 41.49 122.71 78.35 19.89 56.78 106.5 81.01 12.96 56.55 112.85 83.2 18.44 Proximal Width 37.79 107.04 68.76 17.14 35.73 103.7 70.69 20.99 41.31 105.13 71.68 16.21 Medial Width 42.09 107.46 75.83 17.85 44.91 102.7 77.38 17.34 45.15 125.53 75.04 20.08 Distal Width 31.05 95 63.1 16.61 33.93 82.77 60.25 15.84 38.51 104.36 58.73 17.2 Proximal Thickness 14.45 58.11 35.59 13.1 14.73 100.7 38.6 22.14 12.02 65.85 35.81 13.3 Medial Thickness 18.14 53.67 39.94 11.62 20.06 102.3 46.94 20.17 19.64 67.57 38.15 12.46 Distal Thickness 14.78 48.86 34.86 11.29 14.11 78.3 37.97 19.01 16.75 67.05 33.73 12.41 Elongation (length/width) 0.84 1.39 1.04 0.16 0.79 1.55 1.08 0.2 0.66 1.8 1.15 0.26 Flatness (width/thickness ) 1.21 3.57 2.03 0.65 0.92 3.8 1.84 0.74 1.14 4.09 2.11 0.75 Proximal Shape ( Proximal Width/Medial Width) 0.79 1.05 0.91 0.09 0.67 1.19 0.91 0.15 0.81 1.27 0.97 0.14 Distal Shape ( Medial Width/Distal Width) 0.99 1.67 1.22 0.18 1.05 2.24 1.32 0.3 1.09 1.75 1.29 0.17 No. of Feather terminations 10 25 16.15 4.6 5 18 11.15 4.14 3 17 9.38 3.59 No. of non-feather Terminations 1 6 3.38 1.39 1 12 4.42 2.97 2 20 5.2 4.41 Last Platform Angle 62 86 77.64 7.07 53 86 72.3 8.19 57 85 73.69 7.91 No. of flake scars 13 28 19.29 4.1 8 25 15.54 5.01 8 29 14.25 5.81 Last Scar Length 17.1 94.21 50.54 20.32 21.62 63.15 43.37 12.63 20.83 88.01 39.36 16.76 Last Scar Width 20.32 69.57 44.26 13.78 29.56 73.79 46.94 13.45 20.11 79.82 46.93 17.87 Last Scar Elongation 0.62 1.73 1.15 0.31 0.59 1.37 0.95 0.27 0.33 2.32 0.93 0.47 Table 4 Metrical data of flakes Category Levallois Discoid Prepared core Min Max μ σX Min Max μ σX Min Max μ σX Length 14.06 127.86 46.45 20.25 18.3 96.11 45.3 16.24 20.54 99.22 46.22 20.07 Proximal Width 10.64 120.61 33.38 14.48 6.1 70.8 27.85 10.62 10.99 53.54 28.58 11.45 Medial Width 9.9 131.91 37.57 15.67 7.5 76.4 31.43 11.27 19.19 56.67 31.94 11.76 Distal Width 6.76 98.56 31.32 15.29 7.8 72.9 27.44 10.96 8.19 58.61 25.96 12.85 Thickness 2.99 31.08 13.12 5.65 3.3 32.8 12.14 5.22 6.13 41.7 13.53 7.63 Elongation (length/width) 0.44 2.75 1.3 0.46 0.4 4.43 1.54 0.58 0.7 3.38 1.56 0.66 Flatness (width/thickness ) 1.14 6.63 3.05 0.91 0.99 6.35 2.8 0.97 0.46 4.33 2.67 0.95 Proximal Shape ( Proximal Width/Medial Width) 0.41 1.62 0.91 0.21 0.32 1.36 0.9 0.19 0.54 1.26 0.9 0.22 Distal Shape ( Medial Width/Distal Width) 0.65 2.35 1.26 0.29 0.53 2.21 1.19 0.29 0.76 2.42 1.37 0.47 Platform width 4.22 69.42 26.86 12.8 3.37 56.6 21.58 10.45 3.97 46.94 22.03 12.26 Platform thickness 2.74 27.53 10.55 4.89 1.98 36.3 9.35 4.6 2.29 23.63 9.29 5.5 External Platform angle 52 87 70.31 7.18 42 90 68.98 8.31 49 87 71.22 11.29 Internal Platform angle 85 141 107.13 11.01 89 130 107.20 7.92 84 131 105.37 9.67 Dorsal scar count 1 12 3.52 1.8 1 9 3.3 1.59 1 6 3 1.66 Dorsal pattern The dorsal scar pattern of Levallois flakes is dominated by centripetal (31.62%) followed by parallel unidirectional (27.35%) and parallel bidirectional (13.67%) flaking pattern, while the dorsal scar pattern of discoid flakes is dominated by parallel unidirectional (31.53%) followed by centripetal (23.64%) and parallel bidirectional (13.79%) (Table 5). The dominance of centripetal/radial flaking pattern well goes with the preferential and recurrent centripetal Levallois reduction scheme which is dominantly present in the Levallois flake assemblage (Fig. 16). Parallel unidirectional i.e. parallel reduction from proximal direction followed by radial well suits the discoid reduction pattern because of the presence of unifacial discoid core in the assemblage. Table 5 Dorsal scar pattern of flakes Dorsal scar pattern Levallois Discoid Prepared n % n % n % Cortex 1 0.43% 0 0% 1 3.33% Cortex + Plain 0 0% 0 0% 3 10% Plain 19 8.12% 22 10.84% 4 13.33% Parallel Unidirectional 64 27.35% 64 31.53% 5 16.67% Convergent unidirectional 13 5.56% 21 10.34% 1 3.33% Radial 74 31.62% 48 23.64% 6 20 Lateral unidirectional 11 4.7% 6 2.96% 0 0 Parallel opposed unidirectional 0 0% 0 0% 1 3.33% Parallel bidirectional 32 13.67% 28 13.79% 7 23.34% Parallel + lateral unidirectional 13 5.56% 6 2.96% 2 6.67% Lateral + opposed unidirectional 3 1.28% 2 0.98% 0 0 Indeterminate 4 1.71% 6 2.96% 0 0 Total 234 100% 203 100% 30 100% Platform The platform surface of Levallois flake assemblages is dominated by plain (62%) followed by dihedral (Fig. 4). Only 1.5% of total flakes exhibited the faceted striking platform. The platform surface of discoid flakes is dominated by plain (65.77%) followed by dihedral (13.51%) and punctiform (7.21%) types (Fig. 4). The platform surface of prepared cores is dominated by plain (51.61%) type. The less use of faceting for Levallois reduction shows regional adaptation on the raw material and skillfulness without much preparation of striking platform surface. The mean external and internal platform angle of Levallois flakes is 70.31 o and 107.13 o respectively while those of discoid flakes are 68.98 o and 107.2 o respectively. The mean last platform angle of Levallois cores is 77.64 o while that of discoid cores is 72.3 o . Levallois reduction sequence Levallois core reduction, a hierarchical volumetric concept, is based on the relationship between two surfaces i.e. platform/preparation and flaking/production surfaces. The plane on intersection, a theoretical plane, divides these two asymmetrical surfaces (Boëda 1994). After each round of operational sequence, the plane on intersection moves downwards. This is observed on the Levallois core from PTI Clus 3 that is represented by the illustrations (Fig. 5d). The Levallois cores are predominated by preferential and recurrent centripetal types (Fig. 10). A total of 15 Levallois cores are present in the assemblage of which four display initial stage of reduction (Table 2). Most of these cores are made with thick flakes with residue of either bulb or ventral scar remaining on the flaking surface and presence of cortex on the platform surface (Fig. 9c-d). They exhibit a few flake scars on the production surface and preparation of platform surface. PTI Clus 3: Core BB2-4 (Fig. 5) A total of 12 flakes are refitted in the preferential Levallois core (Fig. 5b, c and 6). Together these flakes show three rounds of Levallois reduction including preparation of platform and production surfaces and removal of preferential flakes. A decrease in core thickness after each round of reduction can be observed (Fig. 5d). The first round contains platform surface preparation by removal of flakes (4 refitted flakes of group 1 in this context) all around the core followed by preparation of production surface and the removal of predetermined Levallois flake/s. The second round contains again preparation of striking platform surface by removing flakes (2 refitted flakes of group 2 in this context) all around the periphery of the core followed by preparation and flake removal from the production surface. The third round contains preparation of striking platform surface by removing several flakes (5 refitted flakes of group 3 in this context) throughout the periphery of core followed by the preparation of core production surface and removal of a preferential Levallois flake (Group 4) which was fragmented while knapping because of the presence of impurities in the form of internal fissures in the core. An assumption of the complete size of preferential flake (Group 4) is illustrated in Fig. 5c. Further, the Knapper again started to prepare the core but due to some reason finally discarded it. The reduction of significant masses in the form of removal of flakes throughout the periphery of core from platform surface can be explained as the core contains a significant amount of internal impurities which should be removed while producing desired result. GMA clus core (Fig. 7) This is a preferential Levallois core. The dimensions of the core are 99.31 x 96.23 x 47.74 mm while the length and width of preferential flake are 71.57 x 69.57 mm respectively. A total of three flakes, one on the production surface and two on the preparation surface have refitted in this core. Convexity of the production surface is maintained by the removal of pseudo Levallois point (Fig. 7c) which has a dimension of 46.23 x 55.07 x 17.81 mm and a dihedral striking platform surface. The two striking platform preparation (Trimming striking platform) flakes (Fig. 7d-f) were removed after the removal of preferential Levallois flakes. This suggests that the Knapper was preparing the core for further production but because of some reason finally discarded it. SOH clus core (Fig. 8) This is a recurrent centripetal Levallois core. The dimensions of the core are 71.7 x 76.45 x 31.49 mm. Two flakes are refitted on the production surface. The first one is a centripetal flake (Fig. 8d) having a dimension of 54.86 x 32.08 x 9.13 mm. After the first round of removal, the platform surface was prepared, and the convexity of the production surface was maintained. During the following round of recurrent centripetal flaking, a pseudo Levallois point (Fig. 8e) (fragmented) and other centripetal flakes were removed from the core before its final abandonment. Discoid reduction sequence A total of 12 discoid cores are present in the assemblage (Table 2). Among these, one initialized discoid core, made on a thick flake, exhibits residual ventral scar on one surface and traces of cortex on the opposite surface (Fig. 9e). The bifacial cores display alternating flaking across both surfaces (Fig. 11). Two distinct flaking directions, centripetal and chordal, are evident in the discoid reduction process. Centripetal direction produces blanks such as quadrangular, wider than long, elongated, and centripetal flakes. They exhibit a centripetal dorsal scar pattern, with the flake-axis passing through the center of the core. Chordal direction yields blanks such as debordant flakes and pseudo Levallois points with natural backs, characterized by the flake-axis that does not pass through the center of the core. These flaking directions work together to maintain the core's convexity and support continuous reduction. While flakes removed in the chordal direction preserve the core's convexity, those removed in the centripetal direction diminish it. The interplay of these opposing effects ensures a balanced and sustained convexity in discoid reduction (Boeda 1993; Brenet and Folgado 2003; González-Molina et al. 2020). A total of 28 centripetal direction blanks and 26 chordal direction blanks are present in PTI 1 assemblage while 35 centripetal direction blanks and 13 chordal direction blanks are present in PTI 2 assemblage PTI Clus 2: Core A3-1 (Fig. 12) This is a bifacial discoid core. The dimensions of abandoned core are 106.5 x 102.7 x 68.78 mm. Quadrangular quartzitic piece having dimensions more than 137.23 x 103.55 x 70 mm were used as core. A total of 16 flakes have been refitted on both the surfaces of the core (Fig. 12 and 14). By analyzing position and order of removal, flakes have been arranged in their chronological order (Fig. 12) of removal. Those which have the same chronological order of removal have been arranged together. The initial stage of removal suggests that the knapper wisely reduced half of the opposite of both the flaking surfaces more for achieving initial convexity (as shown in Fig. 15). Therefore, at the initial stage a sort of hierarchy was maintained as diagonally opposite ends of both the surfaces were used alternately as striking platform surface and flaking surface. After achieving peripheral convexity, core was reduced centripetally without maintaining hierarchy (Fig. 13). Bifacial discoid core with hierarchization on alternate opposite ends of both the surfaces have been reported from other sites as well (Terradas 2003). PTI Clus 1: Core 64 (Fig. 17)This is a bifacial hierarchical discoid core. The dimensions of abandoned core are 81.5 x 77.8 x 68.1 mm. A thick flake of quartzite (Fig. 17c) having dimensions more than 113.9 x 73.66 x 63.22 mm was used as core. One surface was used as a striking platform (Surface 1) (Fig. 17a) while the other was used as production surface (Surface 2) (Fig. 17 b). A total of 8 flakes in production surface and one flake in platform surface have been refitted (Fig. 17 and 18). All the flakes have been arranged in their chronological order of removal (Fig. 17). Continuous centripetal removal at the production surface throughout the periphery except a part (Fig. 17c) has been observed. Becauseof the angle between platform surface and this part of the production surface was greater than 90 o , the removal of flakes was unsuitable. This is a unifacial hierarchical discoid flake core. The dimensions of the abandoned core are 103.7 x 74 x 102.3 mm. One surface was used as a striking platform (Surface 1) (Fig. 19a) while the other was used as a production surface (Surface 2) (Fig. 19b). One surface was used as a striking platform (Surface 1) (Fig. 19a) while the other was used as production surface (Surface 2) (Fig. 19b). A total of 8 flakes in production surface and one flake fragment in the platform surface have been refitted (Fig. 19 and 20). All the flakes have been arranged in their chronological order of removal (Fig. 19). Centripetal removal at the production surface throughout the semi-circumference has been observed (Fig. 19a). Prepared core reduction sequence Most of the initial prepared cores show evidence of minimal negative flake scars (Fig. 9). The large size cobbles or sub-angular pieces were split into half by bipolar method. Marks of repeated striking from hard hammar i.e. erasures or impact scars are visible on the surface of cores. Further, splitting the raw material, preparation of striking platform surface began. In such initial prepared cores only one or two flake scars are visible on the flaking surface. Other prepared cores include unifacial and multifacial cores. Tools A total of 20 tools are present in the assemblage, composing 1.93% of the record. All are recovered from the site SOH. Most of them were made by modifying pseudo Levallois points, Levallois preferential flakes, and centripetal flakes. A pseudo-Levallois point was further modified through retouching into a tanged point (Fig. 21c), amplifying its functionality by creating a tang that allows for a more secure grip, facilitating effective hafting and use of the pointed tool. The tool types present in the assemblage are scrapers (n=12) followed by one notched artefact, one bifacial point, and retouched flakes. Scrapers comprises end, side and end-cum-side varieties. Retouch, observed across all varieties, is overall simple and can be either direct or inverse, primarily modifying the distal and lateral edges of blanks (Fig. 21). In some cases, the retouch is typically marginal throughout the edges, indicating efforts to enhance the functional aspects without significant reshaping of the overall form. Additionally, an analysis of tool dimensions reveals no significant variation in size among the different tool types, suggesting standardized blank production strategies or consistent raw material constraints. Discussion and conclusion Clasts of quartz, quartzite and other exploitable raw materials of varying sizes and shapes were readily available along the hill slopes and foothills of the Kharagpur Hills. The raw material at these sites ranged from small boulders to large cobbles, providing an abundant source for lithic artefact production. This availability allowed for the selective exploitation of fine-grained quartzite in a range of sizes and colour shades, which appears to have been preferred for the Middle Palaeolithic tool manufacturing. A notable observation from this study is the use of quartz for producing Levallois and discoid cores, a phenomenon that is uncommon at other Middle Palaeolithic sites in South Asia. This indicates the exploitation of locally available raw materials within the region and demonstrates a refined expertise of technological adaptations. The analysis of the lithic clusters reveals evidence of in situ knapping episodes conducted by ancient hominins. Post-knapping disturbances were minimal, and most of the lithic artefacts were rapidly buried under sediments after knapping events. The enclosed sediments were recently exposed through post-depositional processes such as rain-induced erosion and anthropogenic activities. Among these, the PTI lithic clusters were the most well-preserved, exhibiting minimal disturbances. This preservation allowed for a significant number of refits and conjoins within the clusters of PTI. Notably, absence of inter-cluster/locus refits and conjoins at PTI suggests that lithic materials remained largely confined to the same cluster or within specific activity areas, implying limited movement of unfinished blanks within the site. In contrast, inter-locus refits have been reported at several other sites suggesting temporal relationship between different activity areas (Roebroeks 1988; De Bie 2007; Vaquero et al. 2019). Each cluster appears to have been dedicated to specific technological methods. For example, the discoid method was employed at clusters 1 and 2, whereas the Levallois method was predominant at cluster 3. Some lithic artifacts were missing during refitting, which could be attributed to post-depositional processes or intentional removal and use by the hominins. Across the six lithic clusters from four sites, no tools or retouched flakes were identified, except for a single flake from SOH. This suggests that selected blanks were likely transported elsewhere for modification into tools. In this context, Paisra, provides significant evidence where excavators identified lithic knapping spots along with other specialized activity areas, including those associated with cutting, scraping, and processing of plant and animal food and various other everyday activities from the Late Acheulian context (Jayaswal 2002). At GMA, the preferential Levallois flake was absent from the cluster, but a pseudo-Levallois point (Fig. 7b) was refitted at the production surface. The pseudo-Levallois point had been removed during the preparation of the flaking surface to maintain lateral convexity. At SOH, a fragmented pseudo-Levallois point (Fig. 8c) produced during recurrent centripetal reduction was left in the cluster. These findings collectively indicate that selected blanks were transported to other locations for tool production, while other blanks were left at the knapping site. In Levallois reduction two methods i.e. preferential and recurrent centripetal were predominantly used by hominins at the Kharagpur hills. Splitting cobbles by bipolar methods and removal of flakes to manage lateral and distal convexities are evident in initial stage of Levallois reduction. The detachment of debordant flakes and pseudo Levallois points to maintain core convexity is an effective technical strategy during Levallois reduction (Boëda, 1994). Maintaining core convexity by removing pseudo Levallois point evident in Levallois core (Fig. 7b) present in the assemblage predisposed the production of preferential flakes. Preparation of platform surface for accurate angle is necessary for Levallois reduction (Boëda 1994). This is observed on all three refitted Levallois cores. To control over the Levallois product, variables belonging to the striking platform such as location of impact point, depth, and incidence are significant (Schlanger 1996). However, knappers managed to produce Levallois blanks without preparation such as faceting as the striking platforms of Levallois products were mostly plain (Fig. 4). In some cases, natural surfaces, i.e., neocortex, are often apparent on the platform surface of cores attesting the collecting of small cobble or thick cortical flakes with a suitable morphology for Levallois exploitation. Various approaches to initial discoid reduction can be identified, primarily shaped by the raw material's initial morphology. However, the overall reduction strategy, specifically centripetal flaking method, remains consistent, ensuring the maintenance of peripheral convexity in the cores (Brenet and Folgado 2003; Terradas 2003). Core convexity is maintained by the removal of chordal direction blanks especially debordant flakes that ensures continuous production of blanks without re-sharpening core convexities (Boeda 1993; Slimak 2003) which is evident in all discoid cores present in the assemblage. In bifacial discoid cores, the initial stage of knapping involved a greater reduction of opposite half on both surfaces to establish the initial convexity (Fig. 15). A degree of hierarchization was maintained during this phase of reduction, gradually diminishing as knapping progressed. Eventually, a non-hierarchical relationship between the two surfaces became evident. At this stage, the two surfaces were alternately used as striking platform surface and flaking surface, reflecting a flexible approach to discoid exploitation. This alternate bifacial exploitation of PTI clus 2 core clearly aligns with the classical discoid concept defined by Boëda (1993). Blanks are detached by chordal and centripetal flaking directions, secant to the plan of intersection of the two core surfaces. However, in some cases, during the last phase of the core exploitation, one surface was exploited more resulting an asymmetrical core with a clear distinction between knapping surface and striking platform surface (Fig. 9e). Summarising, this study highlights the diverse technological approaches and raw material utilization strategies employed by past hominin populations in the Kharagpur Hills during the Middle Palaeolithic. The technological analysis of the lithic assemblage, combined with refitting studies, provides critical insights into the exploitation of quartzite as a raw material predominantly used for various volumetric core reduction strategies. The presence of nearly complete knapping sequences within lithic clusters exposed on the present-day surface offers a unique opportunity to examine prepared core technologies and the associated behavioural complexities of past knappers. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the Middle Palaeolithic archaeology of the region, paving the way for further research. To build upon this foundation, future studies should focus on systematically excavated sites with securely dated contexts, supplemented by experimental knapping and use-wear analysis. Such an integrated approach will provide a deeper technological perspective, shed light on hominin behavioural strategies, and enhance our understanding of raw material selection, tool functionality, and patterns of transportation at both intra-site and inter-site levels in the region. Declarations The author declares that the financial support was provided by the University Grants Commission-Senior Research Fellowship and Andrew Sherratt Travel Grant. There is no other known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. Funding Declaration Financial support was provided by Andrew Sherratt Travel Grant. Author Contribution The corresponding author has solely contributed to the manuscript and assumes full accountability. Acknowledgement I extend my sincere gratitude to my doctoral supervisor, Prof. Sushmita Sen, for her guidance and support. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Prof. (Retd.) P. Ajithprasad, Prof. Marco Peresani, Dr. Shashi Mehra, and Dr. Anil Devara for their invaluable suggestions and insightful discussions on the technological aspects of the assemblage. I am also grateful to Mihir Tanksale and Siddhi Bansod for their assistance with statistical analysis. I am also deeply thankful to Sarthak, Sudhanshu, Bhorai, Malavika, Sanskriti, Kinjal, and other students from the Department of Archaeology and Ancient History, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, for their generous assistance during the refitting of lithic artefacts. I acknowledge the contributions of Rahul Maurya, Amit Ranjan, Raushan Kumar Pandey, and Ranjan Ray for their assistance during fieldwork. Financial support was provided by the UGC-SRF doctoral fellowship. This research has been financially supported by Andrew Sherratt Travel Grant. Data Availability The Site coordinates and other analyzed data have been provided in the supplementary information file. References Akhilesh K, Pappu S, Rajapara HM, Gunnell Y, Shukla AD, Singhvi AK (2018) Early Middle Palaeolithic culture in India around 385–172 ka reframes Out of Africa models. Nature 554(7690):97–101. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature25444 Anil, Chauhan N, Ajithprasad P, Devi M, Mahesh V, Khan Z (2022) An Early Presence of Modern Human or Convergent Evolution? A 247 ka Middle Palaeolithic Assemblage from Andhra Pradesh, India. 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Quat Int 343:169–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2014.04.017 Takakura J (2018) Lithic refitting and its implication for the integrity and duration of site occupation: The case of the Late Upper Paleolithic site of Kiusu-5 in Hokkaido, Northern Japan. Quat Int 474:156–167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2018.03.013 Terradas X (2003) Discoid flaking method: conception and technological variability. In: Peresani M (ed) Discoid lithic technology: advances and implications. BAR International Series, 1120. Archaeopress, Oxford, pp 19–32. https://doi.org/10.30861/9781841714967 Van Peer P, Vermeersch PM, Paulissen E (2010) Chert Quarrying, Lithic Technology and a Modern Human Burial at the Palaeolithic Site of Taramsa 1, Upper Egypt. In: Egyptian Prehistory Monographs. Leuven University Press, Leuven. Vaquero M, Chacón MG, Rando JM (2007) The interpretive potential of lithic refits in a Middle Paleolithic site: Abric Romaní (Capellades, Spain). In: Schurmans U, De Bie M (eds) Fitting Rocks. Lithic Refitting Examined. BAR International Series 1596, Oxford pp 75–89. https://doi.org/10.30861/9781407300122 Vaquero M, Chacón MG, García-Antón MD, Gómez de Soler B, Martínez K, Cuartero F (2012) Time and space in the formation of lithic assemblages: the example of Abric Romaní level J. Quat Int 247:162–181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2010.12.015 Vaquero M, Bargallo A, Chacòn MG, Romagnoli F, Sañudo P (2015) Lithic recycling in a Middle Paleolithic expedient context: evidence from the Abric Romaní (Capellades, Spain). Quat Int 361:212–228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2014.05.055 Vaquero M, Romagnoli F, Bargalló A, Chacón MG, Gómez-de-Soler B, Picin A, Carbonell E (2019) Lithic refitting and intrasite artifact transport: a view from the Middle Paleolithic. Archaeol Anthrop Sci 11:4491–4513. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-019-00832-5 Villa P, (1982) Conjoinable pieces and site formation processes. American Antiquity 47:276–290. https://doi.org/10.2307/279901 Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files SupplementaryFile.docx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 26 Jun, 2025 Read the published version in Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 15 Mar, 2025 Reviews received at journal 14 Mar, 2025 Reviews received at journal 11 Mar, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 14 Feb, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 11 Feb, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 11 Feb, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 06 Feb, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 06 Feb, 2025 First submitted to journal 06 Feb, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-5974142","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":412132871,"identity":"ed95656f-4251-451d-af2d-de6994724c4e","order_by":0,"name":"Akash Pandey","email":"data:image/png;base64,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","orcid":"","institution":"The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda Pratapgunj","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Akash","middleName":"","lastName":"Pandey","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-02-06 13:53:25","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5974142/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5974142/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[{"content":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-025-02261-z","type":"published","date":"2025-06-26T15:57:41+00:00"}],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":75904901,"identity":"90a03da3-d0e9-4a95-a137-3545a816aef1","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:49:12","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":324927,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eMap of study area showing location of studied sites. 1. Parsatari (PTI), 2. Bhorbhandari (BBD), 3. Jahbha (JHA), 4. Chormara Camp (CMR), 5. Gurmha (GMA), 6. Sohdihwa (SOH) (Credit: Map is visualized in QGIS using SRTM NASA Earthdata from \u003ca href=\"https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/data/instruments/srtm)\"\u003ehttps://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/data/instruments/srtm)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/5cd7b1f54af0d0171708e0d4.png"},{"id":75904922,"identity":"4062c74a-af5c-4a68-9732-1f05036f6528","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:49:13","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":433506,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eScatter of Lithics at PTI Cluster 2. The green circle represents cores, while the blue circle indicates area of dense distribution of debitage within the cluster\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/41a3be471f0a96f21ae64e1a.png"},{"id":75904910,"identity":"3110a12c-12f9-43d7-9403-ac321c556805","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:49:13","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":155930,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSpatial distribution of lithics at SOH cluster. The black line represents refitting and cojoining pieces\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/337312316ec178f0c0bf517e.png"},{"id":75906292,"identity":"1238875b-c0d6-421f-9416-cd322c7191c8","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:57:12","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":141508,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePlatform types of Levallois, discoid, and other prepared core flakes\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/cb5c51c54d6bac4d603b33d9.png"},{"id":75906689,"identity":"e4dd1f98-6604-4bb7-b01c-c6294f05cf3d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 12:05:13","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":230556,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePTI Clus 3 core. \u003cstrong\u003ea\u003c/strong\u003e core with refitting; \u003cstrong\u003eb\u003c/strong\u003e Illustration showing multiple rounds of reduction and flake removal in chronological order; \u003cstrong\u003ec\u003c/strong\u003eapproximate size of complete preferential Levallois flake; \u003cstrong\u003ed\u003c/strong\u003e decrease in core thickness after each round of reduction\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/b13c75b869b34060e1cada73.png"},{"id":75906293,"identity":"96f3ae01-a6df-4d50-884c-a2efa31a566b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:57:13","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":210723,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eRefitted flakes in PTI Clus 3 core\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/2b22fc212b9b18474c0e0e7f.png"},{"id":75906305,"identity":"1f8fada9-f0a8-4ea3-a3dd-39e226a4c5a5","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:57:14","extension":"png","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":193557,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eGMA clus core. \u003cstrong\u003ea \u003c/strong\u003ePreferential Levallois core; \u003cstrong\u003eb\u003c/strong\u003eRefit of pseudo Levallois point in core; \u003cstrong\u003ec\u003c/strong\u003e Pseudo Levallois point; \u003cstrong\u003ed\u003c/strong\u003erefit of trimming striking platform flakes; \u003cstrong\u003ee\u003c/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ef\u003c/strong\u003e trimming striking platform flakes\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/6c35475ecc977df774c6c0bb.png"},{"id":75904909,"identity":"f451fb30-71c6-46fb-a549-32739753c498","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:49:13","extension":"png","order_by":8,"title":"Figure 8","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":217929,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSOH clus core. \u003cstrong\u003ea \u003c/strong\u003eLevallois recurrent centripetal core; \u003cstrong\u003eb\u003c/strong\u003e Refit of a centripetal flake in core; \u003cstrong\u003ec\u003c/strong\u003e Refit of a fragmented pseudo Levallois point in core; \u003cstrong\u003ed\u003c/strong\u003e centripetal flake; \u003cstrong\u003ee\u003c/strong\u003e Pseudo Levallois point\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage8.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/903cad501770d109cd8f1a00.png"},{"id":75904927,"identity":"b74dd5b2-0881-45f8-98cb-2e30c5a17fb5","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:49:13","extension":"png","order_by":9,"title":"Figure 9","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":182112,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eCores. \u003cstrong\u003ea\u003c/strong\u003e,\u003cstrong\u003e b \u003c/strong\u003eInitialized prepared core; \u003cstrong\u003ec\u003c/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ed\u003c/strong\u003e Initialized Levallois core; \u003cstrong\u003ee\u003c/strong\u003e Initialized discoid core; \u003cstrong\u003ef\u003c/strong\u003eprepared core\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage9.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/1be8cb429d76f3adbe8323d5.png"},{"id":75904915,"identity":"8bd8057f-85d3-427b-8715-4e2efd899362","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:49:13","extension":"png","order_by":10,"title":"Figure 10","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":185150,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eLevallois cores\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage10.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/d35141472348c95b5f7030cf.png"},{"id":75904940,"identity":"014a04cb-18c5-4ea2-a05d-d3b087f85cba","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:49:14","extension":"png","order_by":11,"title":"Figure 11","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":223662,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eBifacial discoid cores\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage11.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/fa160d55c2ab6534fe5d9004.png"},{"id":75904905,"identity":"d6c72bcd-b15f-4c8f-8595-f30cbf8d0804","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:49:13","extension":"png","order_by":12,"title":"Figure 12","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":172463,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePTI Clus 2 core. Illustration of a bifacial discoid core with refitted blanks. Flakes are organized in chronological order of removal.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage12.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/1acd5b8468dd73009fac2496.png"},{"id":75904953,"identity":"6d2093a9-5714-4e53-a246-a9f6669bcc64","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:49:15","extension":"png","order_by":13,"title":"Figure 13","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":216990,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eIllustrations showing alternate removal of flakes from two surfaces\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage13.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/18d1502859ddf829ebbd8b3d.png"},{"id":75904958,"identity":"b978058a-7c06-45d6-8645-67d41d41b32a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:49:15","extension":"png","order_by":14,"title":"Figure 14","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":198740,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eRefitted flakes in PTI Clus 2\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage14.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/a3d44030e343a3390088dc44.png"},{"id":75904947,"identity":"43d45726-a8fd-4162-9eb5-3e3aa1f95d6f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:49:14","extension":"png","order_by":15,"title":"Figure 15","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":89184,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eIllustrations showing bifacial discoid core reduction from intial stage to discard. \u003cstrong\u003ec\u003c/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ed\u003c/strong\u003e dashed white line represents intersection of the two core surfaces\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage15.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/e9b9d81d1256f5b4e1a38a0e.png"},{"id":75904925,"identity":"e5072d39-c50d-4673-9a03-19d81bfc91f5","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:49:13","extension":"png","order_by":16,"title":"Figure 16","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":222048,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eUnmodified Levallois blanks. \u003cstrong\u003ea\u003c/strong\u003e,\u003cstrong\u003e c\u003c/strong\u003e-\u003cstrong\u003ee\u003c/strong\u003e,\u003cstrong\u003eh \u003c/strong\u003ePreferential Levallois flakes; \u003cstrong\u003eb\u003c/strong\u003e,\u003cstrong\u003e g \u003c/strong\u003ePseudo Levallois points; \u003cstrong\u003ef \u003c/strong\u003eLevallois point; \u003cstrong\u003ei\u003c/strong\u003e debordant flake Fig.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage16.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/cf0f3ea3f81dedcf03a0ed6c.png"},{"id":75904952,"identity":"627308ca-3af5-4f62-a758-09da3bc87c5a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:49:15","extension":"png","order_by":17,"title":"Figure 17","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":147597,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePTI Clus 1 core 64. Illustration of a bifacial discoid core with refitted blanks. Flakes are organized in chronological order of removal.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage17.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/15a0ffe1e100e408182e3753.png"},{"id":75906306,"identity":"aba18725-0136-48f1-859a-33a08c06a9a9","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:57:14","extension":"png","order_by":18,"title":"Figure 18","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":210001,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePTI Clus 1 core 64 flakes\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage18.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/c89f095b63da11a926ab03a1.png"},{"id":75904951,"identity":"04518fb8-9ecf-4e58-8d0a-4cd574fa4974","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:49:14","extension":"png","order_by":19,"title":"Figure 19","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":210524,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePTI Clus 1 core 66. Illustration of unifacial discoid core with refitted blanks. Flakes are organized in chronological order of removal.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage19.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/fc1f741b6c24309351caa8ff.png"},{"id":75908051,"identity":"8800e2f4-bca5-445c-ad4a-82c3f140c931","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 12:13:13","extension":"png","order_by":20,"title":"Figure 20","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":202179,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePTI Clus 1 core 66 flakes\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage20.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/a52961fe24b8fca3d6689ecc.png"},{"id":75906314,"identity":"f2442364-d57d-4b07-847f-05eca0cd10ca","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:57:15","extension":"png","order_by":21,"title":"Figure 21","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":181868,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eTools. \u003cstrong\u003ea \u003c/strong\u003eRetouched pseudo Levallois point; \u003cstrong\u003eb\u003c/strong\u003eEnd scraper; \u003cstrong\u003ec\u003c/strong\u003e Retouched tanged artefact; \u003cstrong\u003ed\u003c/strong\u003e end-cum-side scraper. Close-up images of retouched and tanged artefacts are shown in dashed boxes\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage21.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/8bccd21f52eb0ad3ba1e9575.png"},{"id":85686195,"identity":"11fbe6bf-5138-4590-8f87-4b8131aa7eb1","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-06-30 16:04:43","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":6017601,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/4f7620fb-ceef-4ec4-9d28-d629bf9aeb79.pdf"},{"id":75906295,"identity":"cf277e93-c4bc-4ea4-96d7-d501c4a8b40e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-10 11:57:13","extension":"docx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":66197,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"SupplementaryFile.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5974142/v1/f6d66dcb917a6c46eaa88c54.docx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"A study of lithic refitting and the Middle Palaeolithic prepared core technology in South Bihar, India","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMiddle Palaeolithic Overview\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Middle Palaeolithic, a flake tool industry, is dominated by the presence of prepared core technologies (PCT) such as Levallois. Though, the Middle Palaeolithic industries are dominated by prepared core elements, little percentage of bifaces are present in the assemblages of Europe (ref.) and South Asia (Akhilesh et al. 2018; Anil et al. 2022), while bifaces are totally absent in the Middle Paleolithic industries of the Levant (Hovers and Belfer-Cohen 2013; Sharon 2014; H\u0026eacute;risson and Soriano 2020; Mathias et al. 2020; Rosenberg-Yefet et al., 2022) and the Middle Stone Age industries of Africa (Tryon and Faith 2013; Richter et al. 2017). Studies suggest complex pictures for the origin of Levallois technology and its origin can be traced in the Late Acheulian. Researchers suggest bifaces more particularly handaxes transformed into cores to produce preferential flakes (DeBono and Goren-Inbar, 2001; Shimelmitz et al., 2016; tuffreau 1995), prepared-cores featuring some characteristics of proto-Levallois technology (Moncel et al. 2020; White and Ashton 2003), other core technologies such as Victoria West (though Lycett (2009) refuted for assigning them proto-Levallois cores and adopted the term para-Levallois) and Tabelbala-Tachengit giant core (Sharon 2009), and cores of the Kapthurin Formation (Tryon et al., 2005; Johnson and McBrearty, 2012) or a combination of various technological trajectories such as bifacial and Late Acheulian prepared core technologies (Rosenberg-Yefet et al., 2021, 2022) may be considered potential precursors for the origin of the Levallois technology.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe term discoid means a disc-like shape which describes the morphology of cores without providing any insights into their flaking method (Terradas 2003). Bordes (1961) described classic discoid as bifacial cores having bipyramidal section. However, diversity in discoid core exploitation methods documented in archaeological contexts are more for example unifacial hierarchical, bifacial hierarchical, bifacial non-hierarchical, multifacial hierarchical, and multifacial non-hierarchical (Jaubert and Farizy 1995; Jaubert and Mourre 1996; Locht and Swinnen 1994; Locht et al. 1995; Moncel 1998; Pasty 2000; Peresani 2003). Boeda (1993) provided four technical criteria for differentiating discoid with Levallois recurrent centripetal method. However, discoid bifacial core with hierarchical surface and Levallois recurrent centripetal cores may cause confusion in precisely attributing them to a specific flaking method. Recent studies, including comparative analyses of the productivity of Levallois recurrent centripetal and the discoid method using experimental archaeology (Picin and Vaquero 2016) and the distinction between them and their products through machine learning (Bustos-P\u0026eacute;rez et al. 2023; Gonz\u0026aacute;lez-Molina et al. 2020) have contributed extensively to the understanding of these flaking methods.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecent advances in Middle Palaeolithic research in India\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring last two decades, recent studies on the securely dated prepared core assemblages from Attirampakkam (~385-172 ka) in Tamil Nadu (Akhilesh et al. 2018), Hanumanthunipadu (~247 ka) (Anil et al. 2022), Motravulapadu (~52 ka) (Anil et al. 2023), Retlapalle (~140-64 ka) (Anil et al. 2024), and Jwalapuram in Andhra Pradesh (~79-38 ka) (Petraglia et al. 2007, 2009; Clarkson et al. 2012), Dhaba (~80-47 ka) in Madhya Pradesh (Clarkson et al. 2020), Kataoti (~95.6-48 ka) (Blinkhorn et al. 2013) and 16R Dune (130-109 ka) (Blinkhorn 2013) in Rajasthan, Sandhav in Gujarat (~114 ka) (Blinkhorn et al. 2019) have placed South Asian Middle Palaeolithic in the Middle Pleistocene continuing till the later part of the Late Pleistocene. Research supports regional origin of the Middle Palaeolithic technology from the preceding Late Acheulian technology (Akhilesh et al. 2018; Anil et al. 2022). The transitional or early Middle Palaeolithic assemblages exhibit a dominance of prepared core technologies such as Levallois including a very low quantity of large bifaces, and a preference for smaller bifaces, such as diminutive handaxes, points, and cleavers (Pal 2002; Ajithprasad 2005; Akhilesh et al. 2018; Anil et al. 2022).\u0026nbsp;However, Eastern India lacks comprehensively documented and systematically studied Middle Palaeolithic sites. This study could play a significant role in filling this research gap by providing new insights into lithic technology and site formation processes by applying the application of refitting.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRefitting applications and emerging trends\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRefitting as a significant tool/application in archaeology, with its extensive and multipurpose usage since 1970s onwards, has been mentioned in \u0026ldquo;bibliography on the subject of refitting stone artefacts\u0026rdquo; (Arts and Cziesla 1987). Refitting as a methodological approach provides remarkable information about lithic technology and behaviour (Bergman and Roberts 1988; Bleed 2002; Conard and Adler 1997; Cziesla et al. 1990; Delagnes and Roche 2005; Hofman and Enloe 1992; Mart\u0026iacute;nez-Moreno et al. 2019; Roche et al. 1999; Roebroeks 1988; Schiffer 1975; Schurmans and De Bie 2007; Shott et al. 2011; Skar and Coulson 2010; Sumner 2011, 2013; Van Peer et al. 2010), various factors of site formation processes such as archaeological palimpsests, stratigraphic integrity and depositional processes (Deschamps and Zilh\u0026atilde;o 2018; Pollaralo et al. 2010; Romagnoli and Vaquero 2016; Sisk and Shea 2008;\u0026nbsp;Sossa-R\u0026iacute;os et al. 2024;\u0026nbsp;Staurset\u0026nbsp;et al. 2023;\u0026nbsp;Sumner\u0026nbsp;and Kuman 2014;\u0026nbsp;Takakura\u0026nbsp;2018; Vaquero et al. 2007, 2015; Villa 1982), spatial and temporal distributions including spaces for specific functions such as knapping areas, butchering, refuse and storage spaces within a site (Brenet et al. 2018; Delagnes et al. 2006;\u0026nbsp;Enloe\u0026nbsp;2010;\u0026nbsp;Gaudzinski-Windheuser 2015; L\u0026oacute;pez-Ortega et al. 2017; Rosell et al. 2019;\u0026nbsp;Vaquero\u0026nbsp;et al. 2012;\u0026nbsp;Vaquero\u0026nbsp;et al. 2019).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn recent years, the use of 3D visual technology for refitting analysis has multiple advantages such as it reduces the risk of edge damage of lithic pieces, a common worry during manual refitting, minimizes time consumption, maximizes efficiency for multifunctional metrical analysis, provides virtual reconstruction of the missing pieces (Delpiano et al. 2017), assists in the visualisation of techno-cognitive aspects involved in core reduction (Delpiano et al. 2019;\u0026nbsp;S\u0026aacute;nchez-Mart\u0026iacute;nez et al. 2024), reconstructs and preserves the contexts of archaeological record during excavation (Zangrossi\u0026nbsp;et al. 2019).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeographical and archaeological setting\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtending just south of the river Ganga, South Bihar is characterized by a combination of Central Bihar plains and low hilly ranges that eventually merge discontinuously with the highlands of Chottanagpur Plateau (Mahadevan 2002). The Kharagpur hills (Fig. 1), the present study area, are\u0026nbsp;extended\u0026nbsp;across Munger, Jamui, and Lakhisarai districts\u0026nbsp;in South Bihar.\u0026nbsp;The region\u0026rsquo;s geology is featured by the proterozoic formation of the Chotanagpur Granitic Gneissic Complex (CGGC) and the Lower Vindhyan sequence (Mahadevan, 2002). The quartzitic and shaly formations of the Kharagpur hills, a part of Munger Group, is linked with the Lower Vindhyan sequence. These low hills are characterized by steep ridges elevating from 150 m to 600 m above MSL, forming an irregular triangular block stretching from\u0026nbsp;40 km from north to south and 55 km from east to west\u0026nbsp;(Chaudhury, 1960).\u0026nbsp;These hills are suited for human habitation\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;they have valleys and several hot and cold-water springs.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrevious studies highlighted the region\u0026rsquo;s rich prehistoric past comprising cultural phases from the Acheulian to the Neolithic period (Bhattacharya and Singh 1997, 1998, 2001; Pant and Jayaswal 1991; Pant et al. 1978; Singh 2013, 2018). However, only a few sites were excavated, and that too four decades ago (Pant and Jayaswal 1980; Pant and Jayaswal 1991). During recent field exploration several new sites have been documented by the present author in the region (in the press). Lithic artefacts associated with well-stratified sediment layers across various sites were documented during field survey. By comparing similar sedimentary layers based on geomorphic contexts of previously reported and newly documented sites, a composite Quaternary stratigraphy has been developed for the region. The Middle Palaeolithic assemblages are associated with the reddish calcareous silt deposit having sedimentary deposit ranging from 2-10 meters at various sites in the region. Because of the recent erosion of the sediments due to various natural agents, mostly rain waters, lithic artefacts are exposed on the surface. Because of erosion of sediments, small rain gullies are formed in these sites.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe present study examines the prepared core assemblages systematically collected by grid method (Fig. 2) from six clusters at four open-air sites and some randomly collected samples (Fig. 1). The location of each cluster and sites is provided in\u0026nbsp;supplementary Table 1. A total of 1036 lithic artefacts were analyzed in this study. The count of artefacts from each cluster and count of artefacts from random collection and methods of reduction exploited in each cluster are provided in Table 1. The spatial distribution of each artefact within a cluster is plotted in grid (Fig. 3).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1\u003c/strong\u003e Count of lithic pieces from each cluster and total number of artefacts after conjoining\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCluster locality name\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMajor technological type\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo. of lithic pieces collected\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal no. of artefacts after conjoining\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGurmha (GMA) cluster\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLevallois\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSohdihwa (SOH) cluster\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLevallois\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eChormara Camp (CMA) cluster\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrepared\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParsatari cluster 1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDiscoid\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e366\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e337\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParsatari cluster 2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDiscoid\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e294\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e269\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParsatari cluster 3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLevallois\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e107\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e94\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMiscellaneous\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLevallois, discoid, and other prepared\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e173\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e173\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1112\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 147px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1036\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRefitting and Conjoining\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe methods involved during field work for artefact collection from clusters were adopted using raw material unit (RMU), an approach broadly adopted in refitting analysis (Conard and Adler 1997; Dietl et al. 2005; Mora et al. 2020; Roebroeks 1988;\u0026nbsp;Sossa-R\u0026iacute;os et al. 2024). During field exploration the present author identified lithic cluster scattered on the surface at Parsatari (PTI). Following close examination, it was apparent that all the lithic pieces within the cluster resulted from the knapping event of same raw material nodule or block, indicating potential areas of knapping activity preserved at the site. At Parsatari, three such clusters were identified within a range of 8 m diameter. Extension of each cluster was measured and grids in 50 or 100 cm according to the size of cluster were plotted. After plotting grids, each artefact was labelled numerically, and their spatial distribution was documented manually by the help of measuring tape and a 2D spatial distribution of artefacts within a cluster was plotted on printed graph paper and cataloged on a notebook. The spatial distribution of lithic artefacts at all six clusters were recorded by the same method. Following, the next task involved examining the refitting of lithic artefacts in the laboratory. During the next methodological approach, refitting and conjoining (for fragmented pieces) trials for potential match of lithic pieces over a period of 45 days were executed. In recent years, several methodological approaches have been undertaken to develop standardized methods for refitting processes (Cooper and Qiu 2006; Delpiano et al. 2019; Hofman 1992; Laughlin and Kelly 2010). Though, this study adopted manual method of refitting, a set of variables were adopted for refitting methodology which helped in successful completion of task. Firstly, artefacts from each cluster were classified into RMU. Following this, complete and fragmented pieces within a RMU are segregated and their fragmentation portions such as siret, proximal, medial, distal, and unidentified were documented and attempts of a potential match were conducted. Further, metrical and\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 2\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eAnalyzed artefact counts\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"608\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudied artefacts\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePTI C1\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePTI C2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePTI C3\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOH Clus\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGMA Clus\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCMR Clus\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMIS\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCores\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"8\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 514px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInitialized cores\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInitialized prepared core\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrepared core\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInitialized Levallois core\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLevallois preferential\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLevallois recurrent centripetal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInitialized discoid core\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUnifacial discoid\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBifacial discoid\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCore-on-flake\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCore fragment\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e35\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e44\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlake types\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"8\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 514px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCortical flake (\u0026gt; 50%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCortical flake (\u0026lt; 50%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNaturally core-edge flake\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCortical core-edge flake\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTrimming striking platform\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOrdinary flake\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCentripetal flake\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePredetermining Levallois flake\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLevallois Point\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLevallois preferential\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLevallois rec. centripetal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDebordant flake\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePseudo Levallois point\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKombewa-type flake\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRe-shaping flaking surface\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKnapping accident\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e61\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFragment with cortex\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFragment without cortex\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e94\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e71\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e257\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eConvexity maintenance flake\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWider than long flake\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eQuadrangular flake\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eElongated flake\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e189\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e158\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e76\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e74\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e46\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e39\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e119\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e701\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTools\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"8\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 514px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRetouched flake\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBifacial point\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNotched tool\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTanged point\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eScraper\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e19\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e20\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMicrodebitage\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e145\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e108\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e271\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 94px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 68px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e337\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 69px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e269\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e76\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e48\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e39\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 56px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e173\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 72px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1036\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003etechnological attributes of each single complete piece and fragmented pieces that were conjoined together were documented. Metrical attributes are important for refitting. Additionally, other variables, such as impurities in form of bands, fissures, foliation, stains, or other marks observed on cores with those on flakes, hold significant potential for enhancing refitting matches. Technological understanding of lithic pieces, particularly in case the core is available in the assemblage is very significant to match a potential refit. For example, in case of lithic clusters having Levallois core reduction, flakes such as cortical, core edge removal, striking platform preparation, Levallois preferential, Levallois recurrent centripetal and so many have specific sequence of reduction and position of flaking and therefore, their identifications make attempts of refitting easier. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLithic analysis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research adopted the framework of a cha\u0026icirc;ne op\u0026eacute;ratoire approach, emphasizing the reconstruction of core reduction sequence (Bo\u0026euml;da 1993, 1994; Inizan et al. 1999). Firstly, the lithic assemblage was categorized based on basic morphological typology, including cores, unmodified blanks, tools, and microdebitage. The type of cores has been discussed in detail in Table 2. Finished tools were classified according to their widely used diagnostic typology. Technological typology of the Levallois and prepared cores and flakes are adopted by (Picin 2014; Picin and Carbonell 2016) while technological typology of discoid cores and flakes are adopted after (Bo\u0026euml;da 1993; Brenet and Folgado 2003; Marco 2003; Picin 2014; Picin and Carbonell 2016; Terradas 2003). The dorsal scar pattern and striking platform types were adopted after Picin (2014). The organization (position, chronology, and direction) of scars and refitted flakes were identified, and successive reduction stages were reconstructed. Illustration of refitted flakes in cores represent chronological sequence of core reduction. All refitted flakes have been marked with a distinct shade of color and positioned in descending order to show succession of reduction sequence while those chronologically indistinct or undetermined have been combined with (/) symbol. Arrow shows direction of flake removal, while arrow with solid circle and + shows direction of blow with preserved bulb.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eState of preservation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe structural properties of raw materials significantly influence the efficiency and outcome of the knapping process. The lithic artifacts are generally well-preserved, exhibiting a fresh appearance. However, in some cores, internal impurities such as fissures and natural joints led to the formation of weak fracture planes, causing breakage during the knapping process. The assemblage shows a high fragmentation rate (49.64%), which can be attributed to either knapping accidents or post-depositional processes. Siret fractures are particularly common, likely resulting from knapping accidents made by novice knappers or pre-existing weak fracture planes within the cores. Additionally, hinge and step terminations are observed among the flake fragments, further indicating the impact of raw material properties and knapping methods.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions of artefacts\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe size of Levallois cores ranges from 41.5 mm to 122.7 mm (Table 3), while the largest preferential Levallois flake measures 127.3 x 131.91 x 31.08 mm (Fig. 16a, Table 4). Although the mean length of discoid cores is greater than that of Levallois (Table 3), the mean lengths of Levallois, discoid, and prepared flakes are relatively similar. However,\u0026nbsp;statistical analysis reveals a significant difference in length between Levallois and discoid flakes (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e = 0.0069), whereas width (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e = 0.5848) and thickness (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e = 0.21) do not show any significant differences. This suggests that while length variation may be influenced by distinct reduction strategies, width and thickness remain more consistent across flake types.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eMetrical data of cores\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCategory\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 157px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLevallois core\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiscoid core\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 181px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrepared core\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMin\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMax\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026mu;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026sigma;X\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMin\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMax\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026mu;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026sigma;X\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMin\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMax\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026mu;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026sigma;X\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41.49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e122.71\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e78.35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56.78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e106.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e81.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.96\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56.55\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e112.85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e83.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProximal Width\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37.79\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e107.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e68.76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.73\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e103.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70.69\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.99\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41.31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e105.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e71.68\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedial Width\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e107.46\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e75.83\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44.91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e102.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e77.38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e125.53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e75.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDistal Width\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e63.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.61\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33.93\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e82.77\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.84\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38.51\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e104.36\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e58.73\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProximal Thickness\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e58.11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.73\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.02\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e65.85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.81\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedial Thickness\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53.67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39.94\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.62\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.06\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e102.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46.94\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e67.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.46\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDistal Thickness\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48.86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34.86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e78.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37.97\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e67.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33.73\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElongation (length/width)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.84\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.79\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.55\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlatness\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(width/thickness\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.65\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.84\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.74\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProximal Shape (\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProximal Width/Medial Width)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.79\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.81\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.97\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDistal Shape (\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedial Width/Distal Width)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.99\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.09\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo. of Feather terminations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo. of non-feather Terminations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.42\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.97\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLast Platform Angle\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e62\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e77.64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e73.69\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo. of flake scars\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.81\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLast Scar Length\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e94.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50.54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.62\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e63.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e43.37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.63\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.83\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e88.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39.36\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLast Scar Width\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e69.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44.26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e29.56\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e73.79\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46.94\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e79.82\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46.93\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.87\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLast Scar Elongation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.62\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.73\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.93\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.47\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 4\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eMetrical data of flakes\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCategory\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 157px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLevallois\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 165px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiscoid\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 181px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrepared core\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMin\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMax\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026mu;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026sigma;X\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMin\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMax\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026mu;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026sigma;X\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMin\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMax\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026mu;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026sigma;X\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.06\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e127.86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e96.11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e99.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProximal Width\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e120.61\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e33.38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27.85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.62\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.99\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53.54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedial Width\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e131.91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e76.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.43\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.27\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19.19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56.67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.94\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDistal Width\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98.56\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27.44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.96\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e58.61\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25.96\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThickness\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.99\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.65\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.63\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElongation (length/width)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.46\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.43\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.38\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.56\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlatness\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(width/thickness\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.63\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.05\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.99\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.97\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.46\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.33\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProximal Shape (\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProximal Width/Medial Width)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.62\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.91\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.36\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDistal Shape (\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedial Width/Distal Width)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.65\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.42\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.47\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlatform width\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e69.42\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26.86\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e56.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.97\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e46.94\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22.03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.26\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlatform thickness\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.74\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27.53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.55\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.98\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e36.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.63\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExternal Platform angle\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e87\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70.31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e42\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e68.98\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.31\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e87\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e71.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.29\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInternal Platform angle\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e141\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e107.13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e130\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e107.20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e84\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e131\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e105.37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 96px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDorsal scar count\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 35px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 42px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 43px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 44px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 40px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 50px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDorsal pattern\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dorsal scar pattern of Levallois flakes is dominated by centripetal (31.62%) followed by parallel unidirectional (27.35%) and parallel bidirectional (13.67%) flaking pattern, while the dorsal scar pattern of discoid flakes is dominated by parallel unidirectional (31.53%) followed by centripetal (23.64%) and parallel bidirectional (13.79%) (Table 5). The dominance of centripetal/radial flaking pattern well goes with the preferential and recurrent centripetal Levallois reduction scheme which is dominantly present in the Levallois flake assemblage (Fig. 16). Parallel unidirectional i.e. parallel reduction from proximal direction followed by radial well suits the discoid reduction pattern because of the presence of unifacial discoid core in the assemblage.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 5\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eDorsal scar pattern of flakes\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 231px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDorsal scar pattern\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 121px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLevallois\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 125px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDiscoid\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 124px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePrepared\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 231px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003en\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 62px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003en\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003en\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 231px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCortex\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.43%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 62px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.33%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 231px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCortex + Plain\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 62px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 231px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePlain\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.12%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 62px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.84%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.33%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 231px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParallel Unidirectional\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27.35%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 62px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.53%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.67%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 231px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eConvergent unidirectional\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.56%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 62px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.34%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.33%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 231px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRadial\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e74\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.62%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 62px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.64%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 231px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLateral unidirectional\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.7%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 62px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.96%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 231px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParallel opposed unidirectional\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 62px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.33%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 231px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParallel bidirectional\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.67%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 62px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.79%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.34%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 231px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParallel + lateral unidirectional\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.56%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 62px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.96%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.67%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 231px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLateral + opposed unidirectional\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.28%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 62px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.98%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 231px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIndeterminate\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.71%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 62px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.96%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 231px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 60px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e234\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 62px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e203\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 63px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 61px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlatform\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe platform surface of Levallois flake assemblages is dominated by plain (62%) followed by dihedral (Fig. 4). Only 1.5% of total flakes exhibited the faceted striking platform. The platform surface of discoid flakes is dominated by plain (65.77%) followed by dihedral (13.51%) and punctiform (7.21%) types (Fig. 4). The platform surface of prepared cores is dominated by plain (51.61%) type. The less use of faceting for Levallois reduction shows regional adaptation on the raw material and skillfulness without much preparation of striking platform surface. The mean external and internal platform angle of Levallois flakes is 70.31\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003e and 107.13\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003e respectively while those of discoid flakes are 68.98\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003e and 107.2\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003e respectively. The mean last platform angle of Levallois cores is 77.64\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003e while that of discoid cores is 72.3\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLevallois reduction sequence\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLevallois core reduction, a hierarchical volumetric concept, is based on the relationship between two surfaces i.e. platform/preparation and flaking/production surfaces. The plane on intersection, a theoretical plane, divides these two asymmetrical surfaces (Bo\u0026euml;da 1994). After each round of operational sequence, the plane on intersection moves downwards. This is observed on the Levallois core from PTI Clus 3 that is represented by the illustrations (Fig. 5d). The Levallois cores are predominated by preferential and recurrent centripetal types (Fig. 10). A total of 15 Levallois cores are present in the assemblage of which four display initial stage of reduction (Table 2). Most of these cores are made with thick flakes with residue of either bulb or ventral scar remaining on the flaking surface and presence of cortex on the platform surface (Fig. 9c-d). They exhibit a few flake scars on the production surface and preparation of platform surface.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePTI Clus 3: Core BB2-4 (Fig. 5)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA total of 12 flakes are refitted in the preferential Levallois core (Fig. 5b, c and 6). Together these flakes show three rounds of Levallois reduction including preparation of platform and production surfaces and removal of preferential flakes. A decrease in core thickness after each round of reduction can be observed (Fig. 5d).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first round contains platform surface preparation by removal of flakes (4 refitted flakes of group 1 in this context) all around the core followed by preparation of production surface and the removal of predetermined Levallois flake/s. The second round contains again preparation of striking platform surface by removing flakes (2 refitted flakes of group 2 in this context) all around the periphery of the core followed by preparation and flake removal from the production surface. The third round contains preparation of striking platform surface by removing several flakes (5 refitted flakes of group 3 in this context) throughout the periphery of core followed by the preparation of core production surface and removal of a preferential Levallois flake (Group 4) which was fragmented while knapping because of the presence of impurities in the form of internal fissures in the core. An assumption of the complete size of preferential flake (Group 4) is illustrated in Fig. 5c. Further, the Knapper again started to prepare the core but due to some reason finally discarded it. The reduction of significant masses in the form of removal of flakes throughout the periphery of core from platform surface can be explained as the core contains a significant amount of internal impurities which should be removed while producing desired result.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGMA clus core (Fig. 7)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a preferential Levallois core. The dimensions of the core are 99.31 x 96.23 x 47.74 mm while the length and width of preferential flake are 71.57 x 69.57 mm respectively. A total of three flakes, one on the production surface and two on the preparation surface have refitted in this core. Convexity of the production surface is maintained by the removal of pseudo Levallois point (Fig. 7c) which has a dimension of 46.23 x 55.07 x 17.81 mm and a dihedral striking platform surface. The two striking platform preparation (Trimming striking platform) flakes (Fig. 7d-f) were removed after the removal of preferential Levallois flakes. This suggests that the Knapper was preparing the core for further production but because of some reason finally discarded it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSOH clus core (Fig. 8)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a recurrent centripetal Levallois core. The dimensions of the core are 71.7 x 76.45 x 31.49 mm. Two flakes are refitted on the production surface. The first one is a centripetal flake (Fig. 8d) having a dimension of 54.86 x 32.08 x 9.13 mm. After the first round of removal, the platform surface was prepared, and the convexity of the \u0026nbsp;production surface was maintained. During the following round of recurrent centripetal flaking, a pseudo Levallois\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003epoint (Fig. 8e) (fragmented) and other centripetal flakes were removed from the core before its final abandonment. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiscoid reduction sequence\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA total of 12 discoid cores are present in the assemblage (Table 2). Among these, one initialized discoid core, made on a thick flake, exhibits residual ventral scar on one surface and traces of cortex on the opposite surface (Fig. 9e). The bifacial cores display alternating flaking across both surfaces (Fig. 11). Two distinct flaking directions, centripetal and chordal, are evident in the discoid reduction process. Centripetal direction produces blanks such as quadrangular, wider than long, elongated, and centripetal flakes. They exhibit a centripetal dorsal scar pattern, with the flake-axis passing through the center of the core. Chordal direction yields blanks such as debordant flakes and pseudo Levallois points with natural backs, characterized by the flake-axis that does not pass through the center of the core. These flaking directions work together to maintain the core\u0026apos;s convexity and support continuous reduction. While flakes removed in the chordal direction preserve the core\u0026apos;s convexity, those removed in the centripetal direction diminish it. The interplay of these opposing effects ensures a balanced and sustained convexity in discoid reduction (Boeda 1993; Brenet and Folgado 2003; Gonz\u0026aacute;lez-Molina et al. 2020). A total of 28 centripetal direction blanks and 26 chordal direction blanks are present in PTI 1 assemblage while 35 centripetal direction blanks and 13 chordal direction blanks are present in PTI 2 assemblage\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePTI Clus 2: Core A3-1 (Fig. 12)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a bifacial discoid core. The dimensions of abandoned core are 106.5 x 102.7 x 68.78 mm. Quadrangular quartzitic piece having dimensions more than 137.23 x 103.55 x 70 mm were used as core. A total of 16 flakes have been refitted on both the surfaces of the core (Fig. 12 and 14). By analyzing position and order of removal, flakes have been arranged in their chronological order (Fig. 12) of removal. Those which have the same chronological order of removal have been arranged together. The initial stage of removal suggests that the knapper wisely reduced half of the opposite of both the flaking surfaces more for achieving initial convexity (as shown in Fig. 15). Therefore, at the initial stage a sort of hierarchy was maintained as diagonally opposite ends of both the surfaces were used alternately as striking platform surface and flaking surface. After achieving peripheral convexity, core was reduced centripetally without maintaining hierarchy (Fig. 13). Bifacial discoid core with hierarchization on alternate opposite ends of both the surfaces have been reported from other sites as well (Terradas 2003).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePTI Clus 1: Core 64 (Fig. 17)This is a bifacial hierarchical discoid core. The dimensions of abandoned core are 81.5 x 77.8 x 68.1 mm. A thick flake of quartzite (Fig. 17c) having dimensions more than 113.9 x 73.66 x 63.22 mm was used as core. One surface was used as a striking platform (Surface 1) (Fig. 17a) while the other was used as production surface (Surface 2) (Fig. 17 b). A total of 8 flakes in production surface and one flake in platform surface have been refitted (Fig. 17 and 18). All the flakes have been arranged in their chronological order of removal (Fig. 17). Continuous centripetal removal at the production surface throughout the periphery except a part (Fig. 17c) has been observed. Becauseof the angle between platform surface and this part of the production surface was greater than 90\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003e, the removal of flakes was unsuitable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a unifacial hierarchical discoid flake core. The dimensions of the abandoned core are 103.7 x 74 x 102.3 mm. One surface was used as a striking platform (Surface 1) (Fig. 19a) while the other was used as a production surface (Surface 2) (Fig. 19b). One surface was used as a striking platform (Surface 1) (Fig. 19a) while the other was used as production surface (Surface 2) (Fig. 19b). A total of 8 flakes in production surface and one flake fragment in the platform surface have been refitted (Fig. 19 and 20). All the flakes have been arranged in their chronological order of removal (Fig. 19). Centripetal removal at the production surface throughout the semi-circumference has been observed (Fig. 19a).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrepared core reduction sequence\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost of the initial prepared cores show evidence of minimal negative flake scars (Fig. 9). The large size cobbles or sub-angular pieces were split into half by bipolar method. Marks of repeated striking from hard hammar i.e. erasures or impact scars are visible on the surface of cores. Further, splitting the raw material, preparation of striking platform surface began. In such initial prepared cores only one or two flake scars are visible on the flaking surface. Other prepared cores include unifacial and multifacial cores.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTools\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA total of 20 tools are present in the assemblage, composing 1.93% of the record. All are recovered from the site SOH. Most of them were made by modifying pseudo Levallois points, Levallois preferential flakes, and centripetal flakes. A pseudo-Levallois point was further modified through retouching into a tanged point (Fig. 21c), amplifying its functionality by creating a tang that allows for a more secure grip, facilitating effective hafting and use of the pointed tool. The tool types present in the assemblage are scrapers (n=12) followed by one notched artefact, one bifacial point, and retouched flakes. Scrapers comprises end, side and end-cum-side varieties. Retouch, observed across all varieties, is overall simple and can be either direct or inverse, primarily modifying the distal and lateral edges of blanks (Fig. 21). In some cases, the retouch is typically marginal throughout the edges, indicating efforts to enhance the functional aspects without significant reshaping of the overall form. Additionally, an analysis of tool dimensions reveals no significant variation in size among the different tool types,\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003esuggesting standardized blank production strategies or consistent raw material constraints.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion and conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eClasts of quartz, quartzite and other exploitable raw materials of varying sizes and shapes were readily available along the hill slopes and foothills of the Kharagpur Hills. The raw material at these sites ranged from small boulders to large cobbles, providing an abundant source for lithic artefact production. This availability allowed for the selective exploitation of fine-grained quartzite in a range of sizes and colour shades, which appears to have been preferred for the Middle Palaeolithic tool manufacturing. A notable observation from this study is the use of quartz for producing Levallois and discoid cores, a phenomenon that is uncommon at other Middle Palaeolithic sites in South Asia. This indicates the exploitation of locally available raw materials within the region and demonstrates a refined expertise of technological adaptations.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe analysis of the lithic clusters reveals evidence of in situ knapping episodes conducted by ancient hominins. Post-knapping disturbances were minimal, and most of the lithic artefacts were rapidly buried under sediments after knapping events. The enclosed sediments were recently exposed through post-depositional processes such as rain-induced erosion and anthropogenic activities. Among these, the PTI lithic clusters were the most well-preserved, exhibiting minimal disturbances. This preservation allowed for a significant number of refits and conjoins within the clusters of PTI. Notably,\u0026nbsp;absence of inter-cluster/locus refits and conjoins at PTI suggests that lithic materials remained largely confined to the same cluster or within specific activity areas, implying limited movement of unfinished blanks within the site. In contrast, inter-locus refits have been reported at several other sites suggesting temporal relationship between different activity areas (Roebroeks 1988; De Bie 2007; Vaquero et al. 2019).\u0026nbsp;Each cluster appears to have been dedicated to specific technological methods. For example, the discoid method was employed at clusters 1 and 2, whereas the Levallois method was predominant at cluster 3. Some lithic artifacts were missing during refitting, which could be attributed to post-depositional processes or intentional removal and use by the hominins.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross the six lithic clusters from four sites, no tools or retouched flakes were identified, except for a single flake from SOH. This suggests that selected blanks were likely transported elsewhere for modification into tools. In this context, Paisra, provides significant evidence where excavators identified lithic knapping spots along with other specialized activity areas, including those associated with cutting, scraping, and processing of plant and animal food and various other everyday activities from the Late Acheulian context (Jayaswal 2002). At GMA, the preferential Levallois flake was absent from the cluster, but a pseudo-Levallois point (Fig. 7b) was refitted at the production surface. The pseudo-Levallois point had been removed during the preparation of the flaking surface to maintain lateral convexity. At SOH, a fragmented pseudo-Levallois point (Fig. 8c) produced during recurrent centripetal reduction was left in the cluster. These findings collectively indicate that selected blanks were transported to other locations for tool production, while other blanks were left at the knapping site.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Levallois reduction two methods i.e. preferential and recurrent centripetal were predominantly used by hominins at the Kharagpur hills. Splitting cobbles by bipolar methods and removal of flakes to manage lateral and distal convexities are evident in initial stage of Levallois reduction. The detachment of debordant flakes and pseudo Levallois points to maintain core convexity is an effective technical strategy during Levallois reduction (Bo\u0026euml;da, 1994). Maintaining core convexity by removing pseudo Levallois point evident in Levallois core (Fig. 7b) present in the assemblage predisposed the production of preferential flakes.\u0026nbsp;Preparation of platform surface for accurate angle is necessary for Levallois reduction (Bo\u0026euml;da 1994). This is observed on all three refitted Levallois cores. To control over the Levallois product, variables belonging to the striking platform such as location of impact point, depth, and incidence are significant (Schlanger 1996). However, knappers managed to produce Levallois blanks without preparation such as faceting as the striking platforms of Levallois products\u0026nbsp;were mostly plain (Fig. 4).\u0026nbsp;In some cases,\u0026nbsp;natural surfaces, i.e., neocortex, are often apparent on the platform surface of cores attesting the collecting of small cobble or thick cortical flakes with a suitable morphology for Levallois exploitation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVarious approaches to initial discoid reduction can be identified, primarily shaped by the raw material\u0026apos;s initial morphology. However, the overall reduction strategy, specifically centripetal flaking method, remains consistent, ensuring the maintenance of peripheral convexity in the cores (Brenet and Folgado 2003; Terradas 2003).\u0026nbsp;Core convexity is maintained by the removal of chordal direction blanks especially debordant flakes that ensures continuous production of blanks without re-sharpening core convexities (Boeda 1993;\u0026nbsp;Slimak 2003) which is evident in all discoid cores present in the assemblage. In bifacial discoid cores, the initial stage of knapping involved a greater reduction of opposite half on both surfaces to establish the initial convexity (Fig. 15). A degree of hierarchization was maintained during this phase of reduction, gradually diminishing as knapping progressed. Eventually, a non-hierarchical relationship between the two surfaces became evident. At this stage, the two surfaces were alternately used as striking platform surface and flaking surface, reflecting a flexible approach to discoid exploitation. This alternate bifacial exploitation of PTI clus 2 core clearly aligns with the classical discoid concept defined by Bo\u0026euml;da (1993). Blanks are detached by chordal and centripetal flaking directions, secant to the plan of intersection of the two core surfaces.\u0026nbsp;However, in some cases, during the last phase of the core exploitation, one surface was exploited more resulting an asymmetrical core with a clear distinction between knapping surface and striking platform surface (Fig. 9e).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSummarising, this study highlights the diverse technological approaches and raw material utilization strategies employed by past hominin populations in the Kharagpur Hills during the Middle Palaeolithic. The technological analysis of the lithic assemblage, combined with refitting studies, provides critical insights into the exploitation of quartzite as a raw material predominantly used for various volumetric core reduction strategies. The presence of nearly complete knapping sequences within lithic clusters exposed on the present-day surface offers a unique opportunity to examine prepared core technologies and the associated behavioural complexities of past knappers. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the Middle Palaeolithic archaeology of the region, paving the way for further research. To build upon this foundation, future studies should focus on systematically excavated sites with securely dated contexts, supplemented by experimental knapping and use-wear analysis. Such an integrated approach will provide a deeper technological perspective, shed light on hominin behavioural strategies, and enhance our understanding of raw material selection, tool functionality, and patterns of transportation at both intra-site and inter-site levels in the region.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe author declares that the financial support was provided by the University Grants Commission-Senior Research Fellowship and Andrew Sherratt Travel Grant. There is no other known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFunding Declaration\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinancial support was provided by Andrew Sherratt Travel Grant.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe corresponding author has solely contributed to the manuscript and assumes full accountability.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI extend my sincere gratitude to my doctoral supervisor, Prof. Sushmita Sen, for her guidance and support. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Prof. (Retd.) P. Ajithprasad, Prof. Marco Peresani, Dr. Shashi Mehra, and Dr. Anil Devara for their invaluable suggestions and insightful discussions on the technological aspects of the assemblage. I am also grateful to Mihir Tanksale and Siddhi Bansod for their assistance with statistical analysis. I am also deeply thankful to Sarthak, Sudhanshu, Bhorai, Malavika, Sanskriti, Kinjal, and other students from the Department of Archaeology and Ancient History, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, for their generous assistance during the refitting of lithic artefacts. I acknowledge the contributions of Rahul Maurya, Amit Ranjan, Raushan Kumar Pandey, and Ranjan Ray for their assistance during fieldwork. Financial support was provided by the UGC-SRF doctoral fellowship. This research has been financially supported by Andrew Sherratt Travel Grant.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Site coordinates and other analyzed data have been provided in the supplementary information file.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAkhilesh K, Pappu S, Rajapara HM, Gunnell Y, Shukla AD, Singhvi AK (2018) Early Middle Palaeolithic culture in India around 385\u0026ndash;172 ka reframes Out of Africa models. 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Leiden University Press, Leiden\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRomagnoli F, Vaquero M (2016) Quantitative stone tools intra-site point and orientation patterns of a Middle Palaeolithic living floor: a GIS multi-scalar spatial and temporal approach. Quart\u0026auml;r 63:47\u0026ndash;60. https://doi.org/10.7485/QU63_3 \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRosell J, Modesto-Mata M, Fern\u0026aacute;ndez-Laso MC, Modolo M, Blasco R (2019) Refitting bones to reconstruct the diversity in Middle Palaeolithic human occupations: the case of the Abric Roman\u0026iacute; site (Capellades, Barcelona, Spain). Archaeol Anthropol Sci 11(9):4601\u0026ndash;4619. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-019-00887-4 \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eS\u0026aacute;nchez-Mart\u0026iacute;nez J, Calmet K, Mart\u0026iacute;nez Moreno J, Gilabert XR (2024) Virtual reconstruction of stone tool refittings by using 3D modelling and the Blender Engine: The application of the \u0026ldquo;ReViBE\u0026rdquo; protocol to the archaeological record. PlosOne 19(8):e0309611. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309611 \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSchiffer MB (1975) Archaeology as behavioral science. Am Anthropol 77:836\u0026ndash;848. https://doi.org/10.1525/aa.1975.77.4.02a00060 \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSchlanger N (1996) Understanding Levallois: lithic technology and cognitive archaeology. Cambridge Archaeol J 6(2):231\u0026ndash;254. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959774300001724 \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSchurmans UA, De Bie M (2007) Fitting rocks: lithic refitting examined. 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Leuven University Press, Leuven.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVaquero M, Chac\u0026oacute;n MG, Rando JM (2007) The interpretive potential of lithic refits in a Middle Paleolithic site: Abric Roman\u0026iacute; (Capellades, Spain). In: Schurmans U, De Bie M (eds) Fitting Rocks. Lithic Refitting Examined. BAR International Series 1596, Oxford pp 75\u0026ndash;89. https://doi.org/10.30861/9781407300122\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVaquero M, Chac\u0026oacute;n MG, Garc\u0026iacute;a-Ant\u0026oacute;n MD, G\u0026oacute;mez de Soler B, Mart\u0026iacute;nez K, Cuartero F (2012) Time and space in the formation of lithic assemblages: the example of Abric Roman\u0026iacute; level J. 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American Antiquity 47:276\u0026ndash;290. https://doi.org/10.2307/279901 \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"archaeological-and-anthropological-sciences","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"aasc","sideBox":"Learn more about [Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences](http://link.springer.com/journal/12517)","snPcode":"12520","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/12520/3","title":"Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false},"keywords":"Levallois, discoid, Refit, Indian Middle Palaeolithic, South Bihar","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5974142/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5974142/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThis study presents a comprehensive technological analysis of the Middle Palaeolithic assemblage from the Kharagpur Hills, South Bihar, India, integrating refitting studies to investigate complete reduction sequence. The assemblage consists of Levallois, discoid, and other prepared cores, systematically collected from surface clusters using a grid-based method. The gradual exposure of encapsulated sediments due to erosional processes driven by post-depositional agents led to the uncovering of these lithic clusters. Notably, the absence of inter-cluster/locus refits and conjoins at three nearby clusters suggests that lithic materials remained largely confined within their respective clusters, implying minimal movement of unfinished blanks across the site. Locally available fine-grained quartzite was primarily exploited as raw materials, emphasizing the role of regional lithic resources in lithic production. The refitting analysis provides critical insights into the technological approaches employed in both Levallois and discoid reduction, marking a significant contribution to South Asian Middle Palaeolithic studies. The complete sequence of discoid core exploitation, from initial reduction to discard, and the multiple rounds of Levallois reduction including preparation and production stages, reconstructed through refitting, enhance our knowledge of hominin knapping strategies. Interestingly, even within Levallois reduction, striking platforms are predominantly plain, indicating a preference for direct flake removal without extensive platform modifications. Furthermore, the scarcity of tools across all clusters, except one, along with the absence of selective blanks, suggests that tool modification occurred at specific areas different from primary knapping spots, highlighting the spatial organization of lithic production and use.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"A study of lithic refitting and the Middle Palaeolithic prepared core technology in South Bihar, India","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-02-10 11:49:07","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5974142/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2025-03-15T17:40:02+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-03-14T11:49:33+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-03-11T10:26:46+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"30224445140270631874077498326897630722","date":"2025-02-14T17:16:26+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"209253894171493192102128711075801411089","date":"2025-02-11T16:36:47+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-02-11T14:28:11+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-02-06T14:09:47+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-02-06T13:58:43+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences","date":"2025-02-06T13:47:44+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"archaeological-and-anthropological-sciences","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"aasc","sideBox":"Learn more about [Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences](http://link.springer.com/journal/12517)","snPcode":"12520","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/12520/3","title":"Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"Springer Hybrid","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":false}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"8a7e727d-e480-43ec-b5f4-e47a60df2975","owner":[],"postedDate":"February 10th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-06-30T16:01:13+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-5974142","link":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-025-02261-z","journal":{"identity":"archaeological-and-anthropological-sciences","isVorOnly":false,"title":"Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences"},"publishedOn":"2025-06-26 15:57:41","publishedOnDateReadable":"June 26th, 2025"},"versionCreatedAt":"2025-02-10 11:49:07","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1007/s12520-025-02261-z","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-025-02261-z","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-5974142","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-5974142","identity":"rs-5974142","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}