PALAEOLITHIC INDUSTRIES, CLACTON AND DOVERCOURT. 21
well acquainted with the technique of producing efficient keen-
edged flakes by normal core-work. Even if their use as choppers
be open to some doubt, the form is the most important feature
of the Clactonian industry, and it is convenient to give it a
name.
Plate I. illustrates a magnificent example of the Clactonian
chopper of large size from Swanscombe, preserved in the Essex
Field Club's Stratford Museum (G. J. Buscall Fox Collection) :
it measures 7 inches in length by 41/4 inches in breadth and weighs
over 72 ounces.
Another distinguishing feature of the Clactonian industry is
the very low angle (frequently 60° and sometimes 50° or even
lower) at which the flakes are struck. This low-angle flaking
is shown in section in fig. 2, 5, where the arrow indicates the
blow, with the resultant cone of percussion and the conchoidal
fracture passing through the core and separating the flake.
There is usually a wide striking platform left on the top of the
flake, and this platform was prepared by a lateral flake. This
is seen in fig. 2, 6, which also indicates the very strong conical
element in the bulb. It must be stated, however, that there
are very large numbers of the Clactonian flakes which do not
possess these special peculiarities.
Fig. 5, 1, is a small example of a pointed implement, possibly
a barbarous imitation of an early Grays Inn form. These small
pointed forms are not uncommon at Clacton.
Fig. 5, 2, illustrates another frequent form, an axe-edged
hand implement, the longitudinal section 2s showing the balance
of the implement to the cutting-edge.
Fig. 5, 3 and the cross-section 3c, shows a small example
of a common rude discoidal form ; many are larger, up to 51/2
inches diameter.
Fig. 5, 4, is unusual, almost like a "Thames pick," but there
are several others that are broader and rather squarer in outline.
Fig. 5, 5, is a typical Clactonian scraper ; these are usually
asymmetric, and not quite of the horse-shoe form.
Fig. 5, 6 is another characteristic Clactonian form of trimmed
flake, which has much resemblance to the Mousterian point.
The asymmetric produced point is visually turned to the right,
as in this example, but in some cases it is turned to the left.
Fig. 5, 7, is an example of the primitive Clactonian side-