Principles of Modern Artistic Design in Late Pleistocene Clovis Stone Biface Technology

ABSTRACT

For nearly a century, scholars and avocationals alike have been fascinated with Late Pleistocene North American Clovis lithic technology. Of interest here is that, although a magnitude of research has been devoted to understanding the performance characteristics of Clovis lithic technology, less scholarship has been devoted to evaluating the aesthetic characteristics of Clovis stone tools despite the fact that many scholars have commented – often quite passionately – on the aesthetic effect of Clovis bifaces. But what precisely is it about Clovis bifacial stone tools that stimulates such widespread and enthusiastic appreciation? Here, to address this question, established Principles of Art and Design – (1) Symmetry, (2) Composition/Balance, (3) Rhythm/Movement, (4) Proportion/Ratios, (5) Color/Material Choice, and (6) Craftsmanship/Skill – were used to describe the unique visual appeal of Clovis stone tools. This approach informs our modern aesthetic relationship with Clovis technology while also elucidating patterns of artistic expression embedded within Clovis cache bifaces.

KEYWORDS:

• Paleoindian
• Clovis
• stone tools
• aesthetics
• principles of art and design
• North America

Acknowledgements

M.R.B. is financially supported by the Kent State University College of Arts and Sciences and gratefully acknowledges the support received from the Robert J. and Lauren R. Patten Endowment.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michelle R. Bebber

Dr. Michelle Bebber is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. Her research involves early metal technologies, ceramic production and function, and projectile weaponry.