What does 'retouch' refer to in the context of flintknapping?

In the context of flintknapping, 'retouch' specifically refers to the process of sharpening artifacts through additional work. This means that after a stone tool has been initially shaped, artisans often go back to refine its edge or point, enhancing its efficiency for tasks like cutting or scraping. This process is crucial because it allows the tool to maintain its usefulness over time as wear occurs during use. Retouching involves striking the edge of the tool with a tool (like a hammerstone) to flake off tiny pieces and create a sharper edge, making it a vital aspect of tool maintenance and refinement in prehistoric cultures.

The initial shaping of stone tools is important but that refers to a different stage before the artifact is considered functional. Removing small flakes is more about the shaping process itself than the refinement phase encapsulated by retouching. Applying pressure to create tools typically describes the fundamental technique of creating stone tools, not the process of fine-tuning them thereafter, which is what retouch entails. Therefore, the accurate understanding of 'retouch' focuses on the sharpening aspect, making the selection of this option the most appropriate in the context of flintknapping.