The technology of Stone Age colonization: an empirical, regional-scale examination of Clovis unifacial stone tool reduction, allometry, and edge angle from the North American Lower Great Lakes region

► The appearance of Clovis in NE North America represents a colonization pulse. ► There is increased resource uncertainty when colonizing unfamiliar landscapes. ► Unifacial stone tool blanks should have been chosen for longevity, multifunctionality. ► Empirical analysis confirms this hypothesis prediction. ► Clovis colonizers not only “geared-up”, but did so efficiently.