Lithic analysis and prehistoric sedentism

Abstract

The formal design of stone tools is closely linked to the various tasks or functions for which tools are employed. The tasks may relate to the production and maintenance of houses, tools, and clothing, or food procurement, such as hunting and butchering. Traditionally archaeologists have focused upon these task-oriented activities when considering tool design constraints. However, the design of stone tools can be related to constraints that are in addition to specific-task-related activities and functions. It has been shown that stone tool design and production can be affected by the abundance, quality, and shape of raw materials (Andrefsky 1994b, 1995; Ashton and White 2003; Bamforth 1986; Flenniken 1981; Flenniken and Wilke 1989; Lothrop 1989), by the relative mobility and sedentism of the people using the stone tools (Andrefsky 1991; Bamforth 1990, 1991; Blades 2001; Kelly 1988; Parry and Kelly 1987; Shackley 1990; Torrence 1983, 1989), and by artifact uselife (Andrefsky 1997b; Goodyear 1974; Jelinek 1976; Marks 1988; Rolland and Dibble 1990). Still other constraints on tool design include stylistic factors (Close 1989; Sackett 1982, 1986; Wobst 1977), risk minimizing (Bleed 1986; Cashdan 1985; Wiessner 1982), and time optimization (Boydston 1989; Rasic and Andrefsky 2001; Tomka 2001; Torrence 1983). The previous chapter discussed the relationship between artifact diversity and site functions within a context of prehistoric mobility. Related to the concept of prehistoric mobility is that of sedentism. This chapter explores the relationship between prehistoric sedentism and lithic artifact analysis.