In stone tool making, what is a "prepared core"?

A "prepared core" is indeed a core flake that has been purposely designed to yield specific flakes. This concept is integral to understanding lithic technology in stone tool making. In the process of creating stone tools, a prepared core is shaped and modified in a way that enables the toolmaker to predictably remove flake segments. The intentional shaping and preparation allow the maker to control the size, shape, and sharpness of the resulting flakes, which can then be used as tools or for other functions.

For example, in technologies like the Levallois technique, the core is prepared in such a way that when struck, it produces a flake of predetermined dimensions, which is advantageous for creating specific types of tools. This contrasts with other types of cores that might not be specifically prepared for this purpose, making the prepared core a crucial concept in understanding the sophistication of early human toolmaking practices.