A fine line between left and right?

Several attempts have been made in the past to determine the laterality of prehistoric flintknappers, with varying results. As part of a new research programme, we have recently identified and described different types of microscopic knapping traces, which had previously been overlooked in the recognition of knapping techniques. Drawing inspiration from recent work on ring cracks associated with the use of direct percussion with a hard hammer, we focused on one of these traces: linear polish. This can appear with a wide range of techniques, encompassing various combinations of modes of force application (direct percussion, indirect percussion, and pressure) and knapping tools (rather hard and rather soft), and probably results from an attritional levelling of the microtopography of the flint surface, which occurs when the tool encounters and rubs against the striking/pressure platform. The orientation of a linear polish therefore depends on the trajectory of this contact and thus on the flintknapper’s gesture.
Assuming that left-handed and right-handed knappers may generally exhibit symmetrical gestures, we will present the results of preliminary research aimed at assessing the extent to which the orientation of linear polishes depends on the laterality of the flintknapper, and whether it could be used to distinguish left-handed flintknappers from their right-handed counterparts. We will then discuss the potential of this approach and examine its advantages and limitations.