Models for prehistoric lithic quarry development

Abstract

Archaeologists have struggled to find meaningful and cost effective ways to analyze and interpret prehistoric quarry sites. Quarry site deposits typically contain large quantities of broken rock fragments that generally lack morphological attributes commonly used for lithic debitage analysis. Remnants of quarry pits often overlap and converge, forming complex cultural landscapes that are difficult to document and understand. Archaeological excavations near Glens Falls, New York, uncovered evidence of prehistoric mine pits, dense layers of chert quarry debris, and intensively battered bedrock surfaces. High resolution mass analysis was used to analyze large quantities of quarry debris. A new classification for prehistoric quarry sites and new models for quarry site development are proposed.