Lithic Analysis / Edition 1

by George H. Odell

Overview

This practical volume does not intend to replace a mentor, but acts as a readily accessible guide to the basic tools of lithic analysis. The book was awarded the 2005 SAA Award for Excellence in Archaeological Analysis. Some focuses of the manual include: history of stone tool research; procurement, manufacture and function; assemblage variability. It is an incomparable source for academic archaeologists, cultural resource and heritage management archaeologists, government heritage agencies, and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students of archaeology focused on the prehistoric period.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780306480683
Publisher:	Springer US
Publication date:	12/31/2003
Series:	Manuals in Archaeological Method, Theory and Technique
Edition description:	1st ed. 2004. Corr. print. 2003
Pages:	262
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.36(d)

Table of Contents

1. History Of Stone Tool Research.- Procurement.- Tool Manufacture.- Assemblage Variability.- Tool Use.- Behavioral Questions.- Perspectives.- 2. Procurement.- Formation Of Rock.- Igneous Rocks.- Sedimentary Rocks.- Metamorphic Rocks.- Summary.- Geomorphic Processes.- Defining The Problem.- Is This Material Local?.- What is the Source of the Material?.- Visual Characterization.- Hand Specimens.- Petrographic Techniques.- Geochemical Techniques.- Neutron Activation Analysis.- X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis.- PIXE and Similar Techniques.- Other Instrumental Types of Analysis.- General Remarks.- 3. Tool Manufacture.- Fracture Mechanics.- General Principles.- Types of Fracture.- Fracture Features.- Types Of Flaking And Flakers.- Percussion Flaking.- Pressure Flaking.- Primary And Secondary Modification.- Primary Modification.- Secondary Modification.- Ground Stone.- Manufacture-Ground Specimens.- Use-Ground Specimens.- Analyzing Ground Stone Tools.- 4. Assemblage Variability.- Detecting Vectors Of Information.- Raw Material.- Technology: Basic Partitioning.- Technology: Distinguishing Trajectories.- Morphology: Characterizing Shape.- Function.- Comparing Assemblages.- Comparing Class Structure.- Comparing Specific Classes.- Analyzing Unretouched Debris.- Individual Flake Analysis.- Mass Analysis.- Summary.- 5. Toolfunction.- Use-Wear Analysis.- Background.- Techniques.- Summary.- Residue Analysis.- Plant Remains.- Blood Residues.- Summary.- 6. Ecountering Pehistoric Bhavior.- Subsistence.- Food Procurement.- Food Processing.- Shelter, Facilities And Clothing.- Structures and Facilities.- Clothing.- Organization Of Mobility And Technology.- Tool Design.- Raw Material Procurement, Supply, and Use.- Complex Societies.- Production of Surplus Goods.- Material Replacement.- Concluding Remarks.- References.