The Techno-Morphological Transformation and Reduction Sequence of Acheulian Cleaver-Flakes at Laharpur Ecological Park, Bhopal, India

Shubham Rajak1,2*, Manoj Kumar Kurmi3, Shivam Dube4, Rhutvij R Apte2, and Shivaji Rai5

Stone cleavers are among the most distinctive elements of the large-flake Acheulian toolkit. These large flake tools were created through a lengthy process, with a continuously retouched working edge at the distal and mesial ends and an intricate reduction sequence, indicating careful planning and exceptional knapping skill. These features suggest insights into the cognitive complexity and capabilities of their makers and users. The present study examines the technology and morphology of cleavers and cleaver-flakes recovered from the Acheulian assemblage in surface deposits at Laharpur Ecological Park. The 3D geometric morphology and volumetric methods helped interpret the techno-morphological variances among the flakes, cleaver-flakes, and cleaver tools, and assess the homogeneity of technological applications in the reduction sequence within the Laharpur Ecological Park. Experimental knapping with the same raw material helped reconstruct the flake generations, knapping intensity, and core management skills. The results indicate that cleavers production involved a highly specific sequence of decisions and actions that resulted in three distinct modes of cleavers modification. Furthermore, the decision to produce a cleaver must have been taken very early in the sequence, thus differentiating its production from that of handaxes or other flake-based tools.