Photograph, of making a flint scraper

This photograph shows one stage in the process of making a flint scraper. The flake which will become a scraper and the flint core from which it was struck off are both held up to the camera.

Flint objects were made by early people using a process known as flint knapping. A flint core was either struck directly with an object like a hammerstone, or a wooden or bone hammer was held against the flint and struck. It required skill to produce a range of tools.

Modern attempts to duplicate the skills and objects of early people have led to increased understanding - and respect - for their methods. Such reconstructions also help archaeologists interpret the discovered remains.

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