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Open Access Publications from the University of California

San Nicolas Island Bifaces: A Distinctive Stone Tool Manufacturing Technique

Abstract

Recent archaeological investigations on San Nicolas Island resulted in the discovery and analysis of 14 abraded cherty shale bifaces from CA-SNI-214. Because of their atypical material, forms, and manufacturing technique, these bifaces represent a unusual artifact association (at least three point types). Several explanations for the occurrence and function of the bifaces are explored.