Retouch/Retoque/Retouche (lithics)

The retouch of a lithic artifact is a partial modification, by means of limited removals by percussion or pressure, of one or more edges of a lithic flake or blade in order to elaborate or finishing lithic tools.

Orientation of removals

• 
  Direct retouch
• 
  Inverse retouch
• 
  Alternate retouch
• 
  Alternating retouch
• 
  Crossed retouch
• 
  Bifacial retouch

Localization of removals

• 
  Proximal retouch
• 
  Distal retouch
• 
  Left edge retouch
• 
  Central retouch

Distribution of removals

• 
  Continuous retouch
• 
  Discontinuous retouch
• 
  Partial retouch

Delineation of removals

• 
  Rectilinear retouch
• 
  Convex retouch
• 
  Concave retouch
• 
  Irregular retouch
• 
  Notched retouch
• 
  Denticulated retouch
• 
  Saw retouch
• 
  Side-notched tang

Extent of the removals

• 
  Short retouch
• 
  Long retouch
• 
  Invasive retouch
• 
  Covering retouch

Angle of removals

• 
  Abrupt retouch
• 
  Semi-abrupt retouch
• 
  Low angle retouch

Morphology of removals

• 
  Scaled retouch
• 
  Stepped retouch
• 
  Subparallel retouch
• 
  Parallel retouch

Special technics

• 
  Technic of burin blow
• 
  Technic of burin blow
• 
  Technic of burin blow
• 
  Slicer kick
• 
  Clactonian notch
• 
  Fluting