Technological Efficiency as an Adaptive Behavior Among Paleolithic Hunter‐Gatherers: Evidence from La‐Côte, Caminade Est, and Le Flageolet I, France

Abstract

Underlying many studies of Paleolithic chipped stone technology is the idea of improvement, either gradual or abrupt, in technological efficiency. However, as there appears to be no empirical support or theoretical warrant for this idea as a principle of culture change, it is here is eschewed in favor of a different concept, which is based on Darwinian theory and adaptation. The possible adaptive significance of lithic raw material acquisition and conservation is discussed. Two main hypotheses are offered as possible expanations for observed differences in the character of local and non-local raw material in Paleolithic assemblages: blank portability and distance attrition. These are related to the manner in which raw material was transported from source to find site. After deriving the empirical implications of these hypotheses, lithic data Lithic Materials and Paleolithic Societies Edited by Brian Adams and Brooke S. Blades