On the Pebble Tools from Western Japan

The so-called pebble tools from western Japan were assigned to the early palaeolithic age by some archaeologists. However, similar implements have also been found from the Jomon age. In general, they are classified into three categories, the chopping tool, hand-axe and chopper, of which the first two are rather widely distributed. The fact that these tools were often found associated with such flake tools as knives and points, suggests that they are of the late palaeolithic age. The older limit of age of these pebble tools may go back to 35600 years B. P., and similar tool-making techniques may have continued into the Jomon age.