An Examination of Variation in Hafting Configuration Among Early Paleoindian Projectile Points

Summary

In this paper I use a combination of experimental replication, microscopic use wear analysis, and morphological analysis to investigate questions about the differences in hafting technology between Clovis, Folsom, and Midland projectile points. The transition from Clovis to Folsom culture is still poorly understood, and changes in hafting technology are part of the transition. In addition, the question of why fluted (Folsom) and unfluted (Midland) projectile point forms are found in the same temporal contexts at Folsom-age sites looms large. These questions have implications for how technology can be used to overcome environmental stressors, such as the climatic changes at the end of the Pleistocene. My research uses a behavioral ecological approach aimed at understanding change through time and cost/benefit decisions related to technologies of varied effort-cost. I examine these problems in a pilot study using a combination of experimental replication of impact-related use wear using a calibrated crossbow and ballistic gel targets, combined with morphological and use wear analyses of existing prehistoric collections. My research seeks to develop new knowledge on the differences in early prehistoric technologies and cost/benefit decisions about subsistence technology in the early cultures of the Plains and Southwest.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 15571