Final answer:
Thin chert knives were likely used for cutting and scraping purposes in different historical periods. Archaeologists study various types of evidence to determine their use, including tool remains, context, wear patterns, and ancient artwork and written sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thin chert knives were likely used for a variety of cutting and scraping purposes in different historical periods. The use of stone tools, including chert knives, can be traced back to ancient times, such as the Oldowan tools used around 1.7 million years ago. These tools were used for cutting, scraping, and chopping. As tool technology advanced, different types of knives were developed for specific tasks.
Archaeologists study various types of evidence to determine the use of thin chert knives and other tools. They analyze the remains of these tools, the context in which they are found, and microscopic wear patterns on the tools. Additionally, the study of ancient artwork and written sources can provide further clues about the use of these tools. For example, some ancient societies depicted people using knives for hunting or cooking in their artwork, suggesting their practical uses.