Morphological variability in Acheulean Handaxes from Kariandusi and Lewa downs archaeological sites in Kenya.

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the variableness in Acheulean handaxes based on three factors, the choice of raw material used, the initial form and size of the raw material before shaping out, and the reduction on the handaxes. The project aimed at establishing a new method of looking at morphological variableness in an Acheulean handaxe collection, and a new reason to consider the possibility that certain factors remained constant throughout the years. Metrical analysis was done on the handaxes, and a count of flake scars was done to quantify the removal intensity based on the flake scars present. The handaxes were also categorized into different raw materials and different initial forms of the raw materials used. The results indicated that, the difference in size of handaxes in both collections from Kariandusi and Lewa Downs was caused by the size and initial form of the raw material used before shaping was started. The choice of raw material use was however based on which material was abundant for use and still good for shaping. This also indicated that the larger handaxes were made from the most available and more abundant raw materials to the makers. It was evident from the results of this project that the makers of both collections from Kariandusi and Lewa Downs both had the same reasoning in the choices they made. These choices include the type of initial form that was more convenient for them to use, the size of the raw material to use and the most convenient material to use in which they opted for the more available, abundant and easily accessible raw material. An excavation is needed in order to be able to get good metrical dates of the Lewa Downs collections and more advanced methods of analysis such as use-wear analysis to be used on the collection to be able to clearly understand the use of these tools.