Distinguishing Discoid and Centripetal Levallois methods through machine learning

PLoS One. 2020 Dec 23;15(12):e0244288. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244288. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

In this paper, we apply Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to study the differences between Discoid and Centripetal Levallois methods. For this purpose, we have used experimentally knapped flint flakes, measuring several parameters that have been analyzed by seven ML algorithms. From these analyses, it has been possible to demonstrate the existence of statistically significant differences between Discoid products and Centripetal Levallois products, thus contributing with new data and a new method to this traditional debate. The new approach enabled differentiating the blanks created by both knapping methods with an accuracy >80% using only ten typometric variables. The most relevant variables were maximum length, width to the 25%, 50% and 75% of the flake length, external and internal platform angles, maximum width and number of dorsal scars. This study also demonstrates the advantages of the application of multivariate ML methods to lithic studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Animals
  • Archaeology / methods*
  • Fossils / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hominidae
  • Humans
  • Inventions
  • Machine Learning
  • Neanderthals
  • Technology
  • Tool Use Behavior / classification*

Grants and funding

This research has been funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities with projects HAR2017-82463-C4-1-P and HAR2015-64407-P and Fundación Palarq. Sponsors had not any role in the study desing, data and collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.