关键词: 石片; 分类; 旧石器; 中国

Abstract: The flake, as one of the important components of stone artifact assemblage, is an absolutely necessary key to resolve the manufacture techniques on the making stone artifacts by early hominins. It is also a direct evidence of material object used to interpret the Paleolithic culture and the adaptive behavior of early human in the Old Stone Age. However, the observation and study of the flakes should be based on systematization, standardization, and simplification. Classifying stone flakes must adhere to the principle of logic differentiation and all the methodologies of studying flakes should be understandable and compatible each other.
It should be best for flakes to be classified based on characteristics of its platform and dorsal surface. The shape of the flake platform suggests the logic configuration of flaking anamnesis, and it is made up of the edges on butt, that is the geometry figure combined from beeline, flex line and arc line. The flake scar on the dorsal surface could provide a probability to explain the flake work process and it should be observed in the light of the scar quantity (single, double, many) and direction (single, double, many). It would be well-founded for the length and right- and-left sides to be observed on the dorsal surface. It is best for the flake size to be classified based on the human palm and finger in order for the flake form to be confirmed by the golden section of index of breadth/length and thickness/breadth.
The purpose of flake production and repair include hunting and making foods, as well as giving to leaders or friends as gifts, haircutting and shaving beards, scratching itch, cleaning up excreta and other behaviors.

Key words: Flake; Classification; Paleolithics; China