Microblade technology and the rise of serial specialists in north-central China

► We challenge the idea that north-central China microblade technology was mainly for weapons. ► In this region composite microblade tools are more commonly knives than points. ► This microblade technology becomes dominant during the cold, dry Younger Dryas. ► The best documented Younger Dryas microblade site is dominated by a taxon (Lepus) useful mainly for skins. ► These microblades were used mainly for production of clothing that permitted winter mobility.