Denticulate tool

In <a href="/facts/Archeology/K3Q5P38R">archaeology</a>, a denticulate tool is a <a href="/facts/Stone_tool/JQxItKEm">stone tool</a> containing one or more edges that are worked into multiple notched shapes (or teeth), much like the toothed edge of a <a href="/facts/Saw/mh8PG7xy">saw</a>. Such tools have been used as saws for woodworking, processing meat and hides, craft activities and for agricultural purposes. Denticulate tools were used by many different groups worldwide and have been found at a number of notable archaeological sites. They can be made from a number of different lithic materials, but a large number of denticulate tools are made from <a href="/facts/Flint/RkMoXqjb">flint</a>.
Due to the nature of denticulate tools they can be difficult to classify, this leads to what is known as a 'typology dilemma'. It can be difficult for archaeologists to sort and classify these tools because it is impossible for them to know if the notches were created intentionally, or if they are a result of unintentional damage. Incorrectly classifying items found at archaeological sites is problematic because it can have a significant impact on how the tools and the site are interpreted by archaeologists.
These tools are included in the <a href="/facts/Mousterian/vwWjmGas">Mousterian</a> tool industry by <a href="/facts/Neanderthal/19rBo6ze">Neanderthal</a> culture, proceeded by small hand axes and <a href="/facts/Scraper_(archaeology)/dhGsBYK2">side scrapers</a>.

Denticulate tool open-in-new

Denticulate tool