This chapter serves as an introduction to the volume. Its objective is to open discussion on the importance of prehistoric quarries and lithic production in the contexts of procurement, exchange, technology, and social organization.

The concept of lithic production systems is defined and discussed. These systems can be reconstructed by adapting the strategies and techniques developed for exchange systems. The analysis of the quarry, debitage analysis at sites within the study region, the use of production indices and spatial analysis, chemical characterization and chronometric dating of artifacts and debitage will play roles in reconstructing lithic production systems.

The quarry is the most important site and component of these systems. A complete analysis of the quarry will allow the researcher to reconstruct the processes of extraction, selection, knapping, and on-site activity of the average knapper, as well as documenting the reduction sequences, changes in technology and rates of production over time. The quarry remains the logical site to begin the study of a stone-tool-using culture.

It is important to understand the nature of different lithic production systems and the variables which affect their structure and morphology. The paper opens discussion on a number of variables for consideration. It is expected that the regional lithic resource base, the modes of procurement, social distance between knappers and consumers, labor investment, modes of transportation and social organization will be important although not an exclusive list of variables.