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The Movement and Procurement of Lithic Raw Materials in Shawnee Lookout Park

Sparks, Janine M.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1335463904

Abstract Details

2012, MA, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Anthropology.
Using lithic raw material data from 33Ha49 in Shawnee Lookout Park in Hamilton County, Ohio, this research explores the role that waterways play in lithic raw material procurement strategies. Previous archaeologists have investigated the cultural processes associated with the movement of lithic raw materials across the landscape (Tankersley 1989, 1991, 1998). Explanations for the movement of flaked-stone artifacts include both human activity and geological processes. To best examine the cultural processes associated with raw lithic procurement, Optimal Foraging Theory was applied. By utilizing Optimal Foraging Theory, lithic raw material is considered a type of “currency” and becomes subjected to considerations of risk, energy expenditure, and efficiency. The use of waterways in lithic procurement could offer a way for groups to maximize their gain and acquire quality lithic raw materials. Research has also found evidence of people operating on the waterways. Evidence of dugout canoes operating on lakes and rivers has been recovered (Fagan 2004; Gamble 2002; Johnston 1962). Excavated during the summer of 2011, the lithic raw materials, which consisted primarily of chert, numbered over 17,000. Using primarily visual and petrographic identification techniques, all of the lithic raw materials were sourced to their locations in the Greater Ohio Valley. Statistical models considered stream location, distance, direction, glaciation, quality, and locality as factors to understand what elevates certain lithic raw materials over others. These models demonstrated the importance of streams in procuring these lithic raw materials. The evidence for this was most visible with Wyandotte chert. It was concluded that streams can be a viable route to more easily obtain lithic raw materials from source areas. Waterways provide the most energetically efficient way to procure currencies such as lithics.
Kenneth Tankersley, PhD (Committee Chair)
Vernon Scarborough, PhD (Committee Member)
151 p.
Archaeology
lithic procurement; archaeology; use of waterways; chert sourcing; ; ;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Sparks, J. M. (2012). The Movement and Procurement of Lithic Raw Materials in Shawnee Lookout Park [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1335463904

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Sparks, Janine. The Movement and Procurement of Lithic Raw Materials in Shawnee Lookout Park. 2012. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1335463904.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Sparks, Janine. "The Movement and Procurement of Lithic Raw Materials in Shawnee Lookout Park." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1335463904

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1335463904
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© 2012, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.