| Distinct cultural traditions and various activities are prevalent explanations behind artifact assemblage variations. However, differences in lithic raw material types in terms of distribution, quantity, physical, and mechanical properties have not been fully addressed. Presumably, variation in lithic types, their spatial occurrences relative to activity localities ("sites"), quantities and qualities will be reflected in the technological parameters and functional efficacies of stone artifacts.;This study presents results of analyses conducted on reclassified Olduvai Bed II assemblages to include both artifact and rock types. The relationship between artifact types and the lithic raw materials from which they are predominantly manufactured is demonstrated. New information is supplemented by data from replicated artifacts and experimental uses. The ultimate goal is to explore the extent to which lithic: raw materials could serve as a supplemental explanation in accounting for the assemblage variations and associative behavior.;Occurrence of the three major rock types at Olduvai---igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary---presented an ideal opportunity to map their spatial distributions; compare distances from sites to sources; establish quantitative and qualitative differences; and conduct technological and utilitarian experiments. Museum and field data were used to establish the role of quantitative differences and qualitative properties of the rock types---notably available amounts, size, external morphology, densities, weights, dimensions, grain size, and angle of cutting edge---in influencing artifact types and sizes.;Pertinent physical and mechanical features of the predominant raw materials were employed to explain the relationship between rock types and Industrial Complexes. The contribution of lithic raw materials in determining activity loci; hominid ranging in search of raw materials; home range; manufacturing localities; congruent technologies; and ideal functions; is explored. Finally, raw materials are used to reconstruct physical, behavioral, and cognitive development of hominids.;Thus, prior to taking into consideration cultural and functional models of explaining the phenomenon in question, the nature, character, and distribution of the pre-existent rocks have to be primarily accounted for. |
