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How did Mousterian tools differ from Acheulean tools?

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Uniface blade and three end scrapers — Stone Age Stone tool flaked on one surface only, known as a uniface blade, and three end scrapers.

The Acheulean and Mousterian industries represent distinct stages of toolmaking in the Stone Age. While the Acheulean industry is characterized by the production of large, standardized bifacial tools, the Mousterian industry reflects a shift toward more specialized flake-based implements.

Acheulean Industry

The Acheulean industry, associated with Homo erectus and early Homo sapiens, is defined by the production of large tools, most notably hand axes and cleavers. These tools were crafted by flaking cores to create symmetrical, bifacial implements with relatively straight cutting edges.1

Mousterian Industry

The Mousterian industry, traditionally associated with Neanderthals, emerged as Acheulean traditions were gradually replaced or evolved during the Fourth Glacial Period. Key differences include:12

Technique: Mousterian toolmakers frequently utilized the Levalloisian stone-flaking technique, which involved preparing a core to produce specific, pre-determined flakes.32
Tool Types: Mousterian kits featured smaller hand axes, well-made sidescrapers, triangular points, and denticulate (toothed) instruments.2
Diversity: Mousterian assemblages are noted for their site-to-site variability, which researchers attribute to either distinct cultural traditions or specialized functional uses, such as butchering or hunting.2