Applied science is so cool. i think that we need to apply reality to looking at artifacts in that they made things for their survival. We knapp for fun and enjoy perfection in the artform. They did these things for one reason to live another day.
I think you are right. The perfect heads made today are the minority as far as I can tell to historical standards. Some of Otzi's points looked like they came right from a smashed river pebble. I also think they made the basic economic tradeoff decisions. I'd bet they were alot more efficient at some of this stuff than we think. We know there was early trade not only among early primitive people but even in this continent among tribes. It begins to open the door to alot of things and possibilities. If Og is particularily skilled at making the good stone tips, he can make a few more, say for me and I'll give him a portion of my kill or the grain I gathered or squash I grew.
That stuff fascinates me honestly. I'm sure allot of guys were knapping but I wouldn't be suprised to find it centered around certain individuals in a community.
It also makes me wonder about the cut width regulations that some states have. What were the standards and reasons behind the regulations? NJ for example requires 3/4" wide heads at a minimum. I'm almost positive that stone/glass are not legal there. Is there a broad head lobby? Or some other reason for that sort of a regulation?
