An Evaluation of the Relations between Morphology and Thermal Properties among Poverty Point Objects (PPOs) of the American Southeast

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2019: General Sessions" session, at the 84th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Poverty Point Objects (PPOs) are thought to have functions related to contexts of heating and cooking in areas where stone alternatives are not locally available. PPO morphology and composition, therefore, may potentially be explained by the efforts of prehistoric populations to manipulate thermal properties that impact performance for cooking and heating. In this pilot study, we examine variability in the surface area morphology in relation to the thermal properties of PPO composition to determine whether heat transfer properties vary with form. Using a 3D scanner to detail PPO shape, CT scans to examine internal structure, and measures of porosity and density, we characterize sample PPOs in terms of heat transfer models.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 84th Annual Meeting, Albuquerque, NM (2019)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 23129