flint knapping

This was explained to me by an archaeologist.

It's the art of working flint to make tools. It's the beginning of technology, he said, It's the reason you're here now. To knap flint is a skill that requires you to think several moves ahead.

This same archaeologist beat me at chess.

Later, I ran my hands over him, his biceps, his well-turned sides. Hard and shaped like a piece of worked flint.