What field of study focuses on stone artifacts?

The field of study that focuses on stone artifacts is lithics. Lithics involves the analysis of stone tools and the technique of their production, use, and historical implications. This area of study is crucial for understanding past human behavior, technology, and cultural development, as stone tools are often some of the most durable artifacts left behind by early humans. Lithic analysis can reveal information about the material choices made by our ancestors, their tool-making techniques, and how these tools were used in various environmental contexts.

Although the other fields mentioned have their own important focuses, they do not concentrate specifically on stone artifacts. Archaeometry deals with the scientific analysis of archaeological materials, including various types of artifacts, but does not exclusively address stone tools. Ethnoarchaeology studies contemporary people to understand past human behavior through their material culture, providing insights but not primarily focused on stone artifacts. Paleoanthropology examines the physical evolution of humans, including fossils and other biological evidence, rather than specifically focusing on stone tools.