A Twist on Taphonomy: Catlow Twine Basketry in Archaeological Contexts

Summary

This presentation is a first attempt to trace the taphonomic trajectory of specimens of Catlow Twine, an important kind of basketry technology. Catlow Twine basketry spans over ~9,000 cal B.P. years in the archaeological record of the Great Basin. The longevity of this artifact class and its appearance throughout the Northern and Western Great Basin allows for a thorough investigation of how it has been used. Catlow Twine is simple close twine technology; one of the oldest techniques in the Great Basin. It was used to make mats, large trays, small bowls, hats, and burden baskets. The manufacturing techniques and materials of this type are extremely strong and flexible, allowing for the creation of versatile and long lasting objects in the archaeological record. Compiling data about this technology has revealed how the original form and use of some Catlow Twine baskets changed through time, indicating completely new final purpose and destination.

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This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• From Taphonomy to Human Ecology: Papers in Honor of Gary Haynes   •
• Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage