Knapping

Knapping is the process of shaping stones by striking them to create sharp edges or desired forms. It involves carefully hitting a stone’s surface to remove small, controlled flakes, revealing a suitable shape or tool. This technique has been used for thousands of years by early humans to produce tools like arrowheads and scrapers. The skill requires knowledge of the stone’s properties and precise force application to control how each flake breaks away. Knapping combines craftsmanship with an understanding of lithic materials, enabling the creation of functional tools through a meticulous and skillful process.