1. Proximal or end portion of a knife, tool, or projectile point. The base is usually designed for hafting or gripping, but not designed or intended for cutting, scraping, or penetrating. Oftentimes, base edges were ground so that sharp edges would not abrade the hafting materials and cause halting failure with use. 2. Lower portion of a vessel from the lower boundary of the body to the place that would normally be in contact with the surface on which the vessel rested, sometimes a foot or tripod.
Dictionary of Artifacts, Barbara Ann Kipfer, 2007Copied