ABSTRACT
The objective of these recent experiments was to evaluate possible efficiencies of Folsom preforms. The Folsom preform attributes that captured my attention at the workshops were the construction of the platform, the regularity of the preform body, and features of the distal end. Another important attribute of Folsom preforms is the channel flake removal platform. To test the observed morphological attributes of the Folsom preform, experiments were conducted by removing channel flakes from preforms prepared with the observed attributes using direct percussion with antler billet and an antler anvil. In 1963 Crabtree studied a Folsom collection at the Denver Museum of Natural History that included preforms. The prepared distal end of the preform is in some manner held firmly against anvil of some substance as of yet undetermined. The fluting platform allows the concentration of force during fluting into the area of the prepared convexity, and because the platform is isolated it helps insure where channel flake fracture initiation begins.
