Pathways to Prismatic Blades: A Study in Mesoamerican Obsidian Core-Blade Technology [Paperback]

This volume explores the social and economic processes involved in the manufacture of obsidian prismatic blades, one of the sharpest cutting instruments ever produced in the prehistoric world. Focusing on ancient Mesoamerica, contributors examine the variation in the way the blades were manufactured and the causes behind their variation.This volume explores the social and economic processes involved in the manufacture of obsidian prismatic blades, one of the sharpest cutting instruments ever produced in the prehistoric world. Focusing on ancient Mesoamerica, contributors examine the variation in the way the blades were manufactured and the causes behind their variation.Kenneth Hirth is professor of anthropology at The Pennsylvania State University. Bradford Andrews is a research associate in anthropology at The Pennsylvania State University.