Broken, split, or knapped stones: The versatility of the bipolar technique in ethnographic data

The first chapter of his book, titled "Palaeolithic Reflection" by Brian Hayden, concluded with the statement, "Again, comparative data on ethnographic campsites where only stone tools were used is very important, for if it is not done in the next 5 years, it will be too late." This assertion underscores the significance of the material culture not only of Australian Aborigines but also of the tribes within the Oceania. Until 1945, indigenous tribes in the New Guinea Highlands exclusively utilized stone tools. From this perspective, the contribution of ethnographic and ethnoarchaeological materials to archaeological studies from an analogical standpoint cannot be denied. Building upon these premises, our poster presentation seeks to review all ethnographic research concerning the bipolar technique and introduce its technological and functional aspects. The bipolar technique has been extensively documented by pioneering researchers in various ethnographic studies conducted among indigenous peoples across the Americas, Africa, South Asia, and Oceania. Historical records demonstrate the versatile nature of the bipolar technique, as it was employed to fulfill a diverse array of functional purposes. While some researchers have interpreted its simplistic mechanics as indicative of gender bias or a low level of technical skill, the bipolar phenomenon instigates significant discourse regarding technological proficiency and complexity.