Behavioral Analysis and the Structure of a Prehistoric Industry [and Comments and Reply

Abstract

Assuming that aboriginal behavior was recorded on chipped-stone implements and debitage, and assuming that the analyst can train himself to recognize and interpret that record, then a classification of lithic artifacts based on manufacturing behavior may be considered an inherent classification. Lithic behavioral classification is examined from the perspective of other archaeological classifications as well as from general taxonomic theory. Advantages of behavioral analysis in the examination of change, adaptation, process, systems theory, and the nature of artifact variability are explored. The artifacts of a core-blade reduction strategy excavated from Chalchuapa, El Salvador, a major Maya Highland site, are described to exemplify behavioral classification.