BURIN. The term "burin" or graving tool (Fr.) is applied to a flint tool of the Upper Palaeolithic—Aurignacian—period. It is marked by a facet produced by a blow from the working point lengthwise as is proved in genuine cases by small negative bulbs of percussion. In one variety of the two main forms the working edge is straight like a screwdriver, in the other, curved like a gouge. These types are further subdivided into classes dis tinguishable by the methods of formation and the faceting pro duced thereby in relation to the edge which may be straight, con cave or convex. A beaked graver notable in Middle Aurignacian periods has a convex edge and has two typical forms, one with, the other without, a notch, the purpose of which is to retain the convex facets.
See M. C. Burkitt, Prehistory (1925).