Core Tablet
Middle Kingdom
Not on view
Known as a core tablet, this piece is the result of a specific step in a production process aimed at making long narrow blades. First, a thin tabular nodule of raw material was selected, as can be determined from the presence of cortex (the exterior surface of the original stone) on the sides of this piece. Next, flakes were removed from two edges of the tabular raw material fragment, as can be seen in the pattern of flaking scars on this piece. Then this core tablet was removed longitudinally from the tabular raw material fragment, leaving a long flat striking platform surface for blade removals.
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