Retouch (lithics)

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Retouch - the work done to a flint implement after its preliminary roughing-out in order to make it into a functional tool. In the case of a core-tool, such as a hand-axe, retouch may simply consist of roughly trimming the edge by striking with a hammerstone, but on smaller, finer flake or blade tools it is usually carried out by pressure flaking. Retouch, also known as secondary working, is one of the most obvious features distinguishing a man-made from a naturally struck flint.