Question

Which of the following are palaeolithic and mesolithic techniques?
A. Anvil stone
B. Grinding and polishing
C. Punching
D. Cylindrical hammer
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, C and D only
• B. A and C only
• C. A, B, C and D
• D. B, C and D only

Hint:

Remember the key technological divide: {Palaeolithic/Mesolithic} = chipped/flaked stone tools. {Neolithic} = ground and polished stone tools. Any mention of grinding or polishing points directly to the Neolithic.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify stone tool manufacturing techniques that were used during the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods. It's important to distinguish these from techniques characteristic of the later Neolithic period.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- A. Anvil stone: The anvil technique (or block-on-block technique) is a basic percussion method where a core is struck against a stationary stone (the anvil). It is one of the oldest and simplest techniques, used throughout the Palaeolithic.
- B. Grinding and polishing: This technique involves abrading the surface of a stone tool to create a smooth, sharp, and durable edge. It is the defining technological innovation of the Neolithic period (the "New Stone Age"), used to make tools like polished stone axes. It is not characteristic of the Palaeolithic or Mesolithic.
- C. Punching (Indirect Percussion): The punch technique involves placing an intermediary tool (a punch, made of antler or bone) on the core and striking the punch with a hammer. This allows for fine control and the production of long, regular blades, a hallmark of the Upper Palaeolithic.
- D. Cylindrical hammer (Soft Hammer): Using a softer hammer made of wood, bone, or antler (a cylindrical hammer is a type of soft hammer) allows for the removal of thinner, flatter flakes than a stone hammer. This technique was developed during the Palaeolithic (Acheulean) and refined in later periods.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The anvil stone, punching, and cylindrical hammer techniques are all associated with the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic. Grinding and polishing is a Neolithic technique. Therefore, the correct answer includes A, C, and D.