Methods for Examining and Creating a Typology of Bedrock Features in the Lower Pecos Canyonlands

Summary

Bedrock features are a common archaeological occurrence in the Lower Pecos Canyonlands of southwest Texas. These occur in a wide range of forms, from polished "slicks", cupules, and small grinding facets to large, deep, well-developed mortar holes. Even though relatively common, bedrock features, and ground stone in general, have received very little directed research in the region. This paper discusses ongoing research which uses a multi-faceted approach to examine bedrock feature attributes at several sites across the region. Structure from Motion photogrammetry was employed to document and create accurate feature maps. On-site morphological attributes and macroscopic wear patterns targeting manufacture and use were recorded for each individual work station. These data create a large dataset that allows for statistical analyses to help identify the range of variation of Lower Pecos bedrock features. Results from on-site observations will be compared with residue samples from various features to determine if these varied lines of evidence provide complementary data. This project provides a baseline dataset for future studies, creates a preliminary bedrock feature typology, establishes viable methodological protocols, and contributes to our overall understanding of the roles that bedrock features played in Lower Pecos lifeways.

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This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)   •
• Bedrock features (mortars, slicks and grooves): Documentation, analysis and interpretation

Keywords

Spatial Coverage