Les Gestes de la Préhistoire

An audiovisual encyclopedia to discover prehistory

Levallois Point

Hunting weapon

Middle Palaeolithic
300 000 to 45 000 years

 

Triangular flakes obtained with a single blow from special cores…
F. Bordes, Typologie du Paléolithique ancien et moyen. Delmas, Bordeaux. 1961

 

Commentary : 

A Levallois point is a triangular flake with cutting edges and sharp point that can be used immediately after it is detached from the core. Its production requires the skill and talent of an experienced knapper.

When hafted onto large wooden shafts, this point makes a very solid weapon.

During the Middle Palaeolithic, the appearance of these first lithic projectile points marks a decisive phase in the evolution of techniques for hunting large prey.

 

Technical informations

Length: 05:17

Resolution : Full HD / 1920x1080

Video format : 16 / 9