Britannica AI Icon

bifacial-tool tradition

archaeology
Also known as: hand-ax tradition

Quick Summary

The bifacial-tool tradition refers to a prehistoric stone tool industry characterized by tools worked on both sides, known as bifaces. These tools, such as hand axes and cleavers, appeared around 1.5 million years ago and persisted until approximately 200,000 years ago. The Abbevillian industry, found in France, is considered one of the earliest examples of this bifacial technology in Europe, dating back to before 700,000 years ago. These tools were typically massive with deep flake scars and jagged edges. While the Acheulean industry, which followed, is often seen as a refinement of this technique, it also shows evidence of evolving into more symmetrical and skillfully made hand axes over time.1234

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.