What technique is primarily used in the Mousterian tool tradition?

The Mousterian tool tradition is most notably characterized by the use of the Levallois technique, which is an innovative method of stone tool production associated with Neanderthals and early modern humans during the Middle Paleolithic period. This technique involves preparing a stone core in a specific manner to produce tools with predetermined shapes and sizes. By striking off flakes from a carefully shaped core, toolmakers could achieve a more controlled and efficient production of sharp-edged tools, which were crucial for various tasks such as hunting and processing animal carcasses.

The Levallois technique represents a significant advancement in lithic technology because it allowed for the production of more complex tools, as well as the ability to create uniform flake tools efficiently. This reflects a higher level of cognitive planning and skill in tool-making compared to earlier traditions, emphasizing the technological sophistication of the cultures using the Mousterian tradition.

Other techniques, while relevant to the broader study of stone tool production, do not primarily define the Mousterian tradition in the same way as the Levallois technique. For example, direct percussion involves striking a tool directly to create flakes, pressure flaking requires a precise application of force to shape edges, and the general term "knapping technique" encompasses various