Lithic technology at the below forks site, FhNg-25 : strategems of stone tool manufacture
Date
2004
Authors
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Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
The Below Forks site is a deeply stratified multicomponent archaeological
site situated two kilometres downstream from the confluence of the North and
South Saskatchewan Rivers. The lowest cultural occupation has been dated to
6000 rcybp. Projectile points diagnostic of the Mummy Cave series were
recovered from excavations. The site was an open campsite situated on a middle
level alluvial slope of the Saskatchewan River valley. A broad-spectrum fauna
exploitation was represented at the site. The lowest component was occupied in
late winter or early spring, based on immature bison elements. Collection and
reduction of river cobbles into lithic implements was an important activity at the
site. Debitage was the largest artifact class recovered from the site and deserved
the greatest analytical attention.
Lithic technology, specificially the methods of tool manufacture, was the
central theme of study. A variety of analytical techniques were used, including the
separate analyses of cores, debitage, and tools. These analyses were placed into
a spatical context with geographic information systems. Three components were
represented in the eastern area of the Below Forks site. A lithic reduction
workshop and some habitation debris were contained in the upper occupation.
Evidently, the middle component appeared peripheral to a habitation site. The
lower occupation evidenced significant knapping activities within the confines of a
habitation site.
Interpretations from various analytical techniques were placed within a
chaîne opérafiore framework and fully documented the lithic technology. Certain
types of material behaved in slightly different ways; individual knappers would
have taken this into account and appropriately modified their technique. The
thermal alteration of Swan River chert was an important component of the lithic
technology. Bipolar technology had a prominent role in the production of flake
blanks. Platform grinding was a commonly observed form of platform
preparation. Platform flaking increased in importance with later stages of
reduction. Ideally these preparations would allow flint-knappers to improve their
control of intended flake detachments. In sum, lithic tools were manufactured
within a myriad of technological sophistication. The properties of lithic fracture
were controlled with great precision, preparation, and foresight in the manufacture
of implements at the Below Forks site.
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Degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Department
Archaeology
Program
Archaeology