Bifacial Points

Industrial variability within the Middle Paleolithic Micoquian complex of the Crimea is reflected in the
varied occurrence and frequencies of stone tools. Aside from bifacial shaping / thinning flakes and blades within the
debitage (items ≥ 3 cm), there are 5 chip types and their subdivisions (mostly items > 1.5–2.9 cm) reflecting differing
primary and secondary reduction strategies for Crimean Micoquian Tradition (CMT)assemblages. Detailed study of
such chips provides valuable insights into tool production, reshaping and rejuvenation. There is increasing intensity of
secondary treatment and re-treatment of flint, and associated activities from Ak-Kaya-genuine assemblages (ephemeral
killing / primary butchery stations) through Starosele assemblages (various short-term primary and/or secondary
butchery camps) to the Kiik-Koba assemblages (short-term primary and secondary butchery camps). The study confirms
that CMT variability reflects a spectrum of anthropogenic and natural influences rather than representing discrete
cultural traditions.

Bifacial points have been used to characterize the “Umbu” Tradition in South-eastern Brazil. This Tradition has been observed in archaeological sites dated from 10.000 to near historical times. Such a great temporal range and vast territory, associated with a lack of systematic regional studies of the projectile points, have suggested the existence of a diversity within this tradition which has been ignored so far.

Through multivariate statistical analysis, this paper aims to test the hypothesis that there are important morphological differences in the bifacial points associated to the Umbu Tradition in South-eastern Brazil