Archaic Points Research Articles

Nature, Society, Law: Historical Types of Reality Construction

This article touches upon different types of law application practices conceptualization and sense of justice reification depending on historical interchangeable models of reality construction. These types stipulated by distinctive features of demarcation of natural and social phenomenon related to effects of anthropomorphism and sociomorphism of nature in archaic point of view and naturalization of social phenomenon in the Modern era. The authors’ interest was peaked by situations when the result of different conceptualizations of law application practices, their theoretical description and strategies of implementation into the system of values caused by diverse understanding of correlation between nature and society. Philosophical perception and scientific analysis are performed on circumstances and determinators of digitalization processes of different aspects of modern human life, society, and the value of this processes for reality construction. Signs which will help to prognose new conceptualizations of law application practices during the construction of digital reality are investigated.

The Oliver Bolton Collection of Dart and Spear Points from Camp County, Texas, and Other Remarks

This article analyzes the Bolton Collection of 1384 lithic artifacts, including dart and spear points from the Paleoindian through the Woodland periods. The analysis places the points in the sequence used by Perttula. The points are compared with those from the middle Sabine River basin counties as well as the analysis of the Archaic points of the Cypress Creek drainage basin. In addition, the Archaic and Woodland population density of Camp County based on the proportional frequency of projectile points of known age is compared with that of the middle Sabine River basin counties and the Cypress Basin. Additional comparisons are made with archaeological sites in the Post Oak Savanna to the north and west and in the Blackland Prairie to the west.

INTERRELIGIOUS DUALISM IN UKRAINE IN 17-18 CENTURIES: SPECIFICITY OF LIVING

The article deals with the specifics of pagan and Christian beliefs in the worldview of Ukrainians of the 17–18 centuries. The term “interreligious dualism” has been proposed to refer to the phenomenon of synthesis of religious beliefs. The research is based on the analysis of samples of the spiritual culture of early modern Ukraine. The purpose is to outline the specifics of interreligious dualism in the worldview of Ukrainians of the 17th–18th centuries. The research has been conducted with the use of methods of analysis (concrete samples of combinations of Christian and pagan beliefs) and generalization (identification of main tendencies in the functioning of interreligious dualism). The phenomenon of interreligious dualism lies precisely in the parallel and synthetic existence of Christian and archaic points of view. Enlightened progressive clergy attempted to overcome magical mysticism, emphasizing the superstitious nature and the falsehood of man’s magical powers. From the standpoint of Christianity, the magical power of man and his attempts to manifest it condemned as sinful communications with the devil. And from a secular standpoint, magical abilities were perceived as the knowledge and skills of individual members of the community who can influence nature, the elements, the harvest, health, relationships. The average Ukrainians focused on preserving and using traditional pre-Christian beliefs in everyday life. Resistance was not caused by Christian ideas themselves, but by strict church formality and rituality. The phenomenon of interreligious dualism in the 17th and 18th centuries looks like the search for a non-conflictual combination and compromise between the archaic and the Christian views.

J.T.A.H. Special Publication #3 Appendix to Cover Art, The Journal of Texas Archeology and History Volume 4 (2017/2018): A Visual Guide to the Archaic Points Found at the Gault Site (41BL323) with Clovis Points for Comparison; including Projectile Point Fact Sheets

Archaeological excavations at the Gault Archaeological Site (41BL323) have revealed an almost complete stratigraphic record of the prehistoric occupation of Central Texas (Collins 2002, 2004). Furthermore, ages obtained from Area 15 of the site confirms good stratigraphic agreement between the diagnostic artifacts, cultural horizons, and stratigraphic units (Rodrigues, et al. 2016; Williams, et al. 2018). This includes some of the earliest evidence for a projectile point technology in North America (Williams, et al. 2018). Like many areas in Central Texas, the combination of water, raw materials, and its position along the Balcones Escarpment provided abundant resources essential to survival. The Gault Archaeological Site has a long history. The site takes its name from a previous landowner, Henry Gault, and the first scientific excavations were conducted there in 1929 under the supervision of J. E. Pearce. In 1990, David Olmstead reported a unique find; an Alibates Clovis point sandwiched between two limestone plaques with engraved geometric designs. This led to a site visit by Dr. Tom Hester and Dr. Michael Collins. This finding was followed in 1997 by the discovery of an extremely fragile mandible of a juvenile mammoth by the Lindsey family. These discoveries prompted the recent archaeological excavations at the site, which began in 1999 and lasted until 2002. As many archaeologists will attest, the most interesting findings came at the very end of the 2002 field season, when archaeologist Sam Gardner exposed cultural material stratigraphically below Clovis in a small test unit. This led to negotiations between Michael Collins and the Lindsey family that resulted in the purchase of the property by Dr. Collins and its donation to the Archaeological Conservancy. Between 2007-2014, Area 15 was excavated to expose the cultural materials below. With the cessation of excavations in 2014, research focuses on reporting these findings and how this early archaeological assemblage in Central Texas is redefining the search for the earliest human occupants of the Americas. The front cover of this issue of the Journal of Texas Archeology and History highlights two specific chronological periods in Texas. Firstly, in each corner you will find interactive 3D scans of four Clovis points that have been recovered from the site (Seldon et al. 2018). In between these, you will find and array of Archaic projectile points that have been recovered from the various excavations conducted between 1999-2002 and 2007-2014. This includes Early Archaic points such as the Hoxie and Martindale; Middle Archaic points including, Kinney and Nolan; and Late Archaic points including Pedernales, Marshall, and Bulverde. Clovis artifacts including, projectile points, blade cores, and diagnostic debitage have been recovered from a total of 9 excavation areas. We will expand on these covers in the future to cover specific research projects currently being undertaken by the Gault School of Archaeological Research staff. The Gault School of Archaeological Research is a non-profit, 501(C)3 charitable organization dedicated to innovative, interdisciplinary research archaeology and education focusing on the earliest peoples in the western hemisphere and their cultural antecedents. The reader is encouraged to “click” around on the various cover images comprising the front and back cover border artwork to find and explore the additional rich content hidden there. Click here to open or download an informative “Appendix to the Cover Art containing this article, descriptive attribute data and a larger image of all projectile points shown on the front and back covers.

Appendix to Cover Art, The Journal of Texas Archeology and History Volume 4 (2017/2018): A Visual Guide to the Archaic Points Found at the Gault Site (41BL323) with Clovis Points for Comparison

Archaeological excavations at the Gault Archaeological Site (41BL323) have revealed an almost complete stratigraphic record of the prehistoric occupation of Central Texas (Collins 2002, 2004). Furthermore, ages obtained from Area 15 of the site confirms good stratigraphic agreement between the diagnostic artifacts, cultural horizons, and stratigraphic units (Rodrigues, et al. 2016; Williams, et al. 2018). This includes some of the earliest evidence for a projectile point technology in North America (Williams, et al. 2018). Like many areas in Central Texas, the combination of water, raw materials, and its position along the Balcones Escarpment provided abundant resources essential to survival. The Gault Archaeological Site has a long history. The site takes its name from a previous landowner, Henry Gault, and the first scientific excavations were conducted there in 1929 under the supervision of J. E. Pearce. In 1990, David Olmstead reported a unique find; an Alibates Clovis point sandwiched between two limestone plaques with engraved geometric designs. This led to a site visit by Dr. Tom Hester and Dr. Michael Collins. This finding was followed in 1997 by the discovery of an extremely fragile mandible of a juvenile mammoth by the Lindsey family. These discoveries prompted the recent archaeological excavations at the site, which began in 1999 and lasted until 2002. As many archaeologists will attest, the most interesting findings came at the very end of the 2002 field season, when archaeologist Sam Gardner exposed cultural material stratigraphically below Clovis in a small test unit. This led to negotiations between Michael Collins and the Lindsey family that resulted in the purchase of the property by Dr. Collins and its donation to the Archaeological Conservancy. Between 2007-2014, Area 15 was excavated to expose the cultural materials below. With the cessation of excavations in 2014, research focuses on reporting these findings and how this early archaeological assemblage in Central Texas is redefining the search for the earliest human occupants of the Americas. The front cover of this issue of the Journal of Texas Archeology and History highlights two specific chronological periods in Texas. Firstly, in each corner you will find interactive 3D scans of four Clovis points that have been recovered from the site (Seldon et al. 2018). In between these, you will find and array of Archaic projectile points that have been recovered from the various excavations conducted between 1999-2002 and 2007-2014. This includes Early Archaic points such as the Hoxie and Martindale; Middle Archaic points including, Kinney and Nolan; and Late Archaic points including Pedernales, Marshall, and Bulverde. Clovis artifacts including, projectile points, blade cores, and diagnostic debitage have been recovered from a total of 9 excavation areas. We will expand on these covers in the future to cover specific research projects currently being undertaken by the Gault School of Archaeological Research staff. The Gault School of Archaeological Research is a non-profit, 501(C)3 charitable organization dedicated to innovative, interdisciplinary research archaeology and education focusing on the earliest peoples in the western hemisphere and their cultural antecedents. The reader is encouraged to “click” around on the various cover images comprising the front and back cover border artwork to find and explore the additional rich content hidden there. Click here to open or download an informative “Appendix to the Cover Art containing this article, descriptive attribute data and a larger image of all projectile points shown on the front and back covers.

The Watson petroglyph complex as an enduring place in Southeastern Oregon, United States of America

Five petroglyph traditions identified at the Watson petroglyph complex most likely span a period from at least 2500 BCE to 1850 CE. Excavated exposure of Mount Mazama tephra and recovery of two Middle Archaic point fragments suggest that site complex use extends back to 5000 BCE. Recovery of a Rosegate series point and a brown ware ceramic bowl fragment shows that Native American site use continued into proto-historic times. Flakes and river pebbles that were found wedged within cracks of petroglyph boulders as well as pecking around natural features on the rock together with the repeated rubbing of certain rock surfaces are physical testimonies of ritualized actions at the site complex.

A Possible Paleoindian/Early Archaic Point from Ladyville, Belize, Central America

A biface fragment (JuaD/98/12/1) was recovered in 1998 as a surface find near Ladyville in northern Belize, Central America. Based on morphological and technological criteria, this biface is most likely preceramic and might date to the Late Paleoindian/Early Archaic period (ca. 10,000–8,000 cal yr BP). To distinguish this point fragment from the two lanceolate, Clovis-style bifaces from Ladyville, we have tentatively designated it Ladyville Wide Stemmed.

Exploring late Paleoindian and early Archaic unfluted lanceolate point classification in the Southern Plains

During the late Paleoindian and early Archaic periods, the Southern Plains witnessed a diversification in unfluted lanceolate point styles. The classification of these points into distinct and meaningful typological groups continues to play a fundamental role in building an understanding of cultural changes at the end of the last Ice Age. In this study, we analyze a sample of points from the Hogeye site, Texas to explore unfluted lanceolate point classifications. The results suggest the presence of at least three late Paleoindian/early Archaic point hafting traditions in the Southern Plains, an Angostura/Thrall Tradition, a Dalton/Golondrina Tradition, and a Plainview/St. Mary's Hall Tradition.

Archaeological Investigations within San Pedro Springs Park (41BX19), San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Archaeological Investigations within San Pedro Springs Park (41BX19), San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

A Middle Archaic Burial from East Central Kansas

In late 2001, investigators excavated a solitary Middle Archaic burial from the Plains-Prairie border in east-central Kansas. The burial was contained in a dissected colluvial apron at the foot of the valley wall, in a soil horizon that began accumulating around 9000 B.P. Burial goods include deer bone, a drill, and a side-notched projectile point/knife, the morphology of which is consistent with side-notched Middle Archaic points of the North American Central Plains and Midwest. Use-wear analysis shows that the stone tools were used before being placed with the burial and were not manufactured specifically as burial goods. A radiocarbon assay of the deer bone in direct association with the burial yielded a radiocarbon age of 6160 ± 35 B.P. This is one of only a few burials older than 5,000 years in the region. Comparison of this burial to other coeval regional burials shows similarities in burial practices.

Archaeological Survey for Proposed Landfill Expansion (Phase I), City of Del Rio, Val Verde County, Texas

A cultural resource pedestrian survey was conducted within a 105-acre tract acquired by the City of Del Rio, Val Verde County. for a landfill expansion project September 25 and 26,1989. The results of this surface reconnaissance resulted in the recording of one prehistoric site (41 VV 1251). Early Archaic points were found to be eroding at a depth of 60 cm in an erosional cut, and temporally undiagnostic bifaces and biface fragments were exposed on and just under the surface. In addition, a proximal fragment of a Paleo-Indian Clovis point was surface collected outside the study area at a greater elevation but on the same ridgeline. The limited collection appears to indicate a probable Paleo-Indian and Early Archaic occupation of the project area. Mapping and subsurface testing are recommended to derme the components present at 41 VV 1251, and to determine eligibility for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places or for designation as a State Archeological Landmark. Geomorphological studies are also recommended to ascertain the soil formation in this vicinity.

Early and Middle Archaic Site Distribution in Western Maine

Recent survey and excavation projects in western Maine have greatly expanded knowledge of the distribution and frequency of recognized Early and Middle Archaic artifact types. Comparison of Maine data with those from southern New England indicate significant differences in settlement density and location, despite very similar lithic technologies. The Maine data provide convincing evidence for coastal use during Middle Archaic times and suggestive evidence for Early Archaic use of the coast as well. Occupation of both low altitude and high-altitude (over 350 m) lake and river systems, with settlement focused upon lake inlets and outlets, also occurred during both periods. Thus, altitude does not appear to be a critical variable in limiting environmental use and productivity as previous authors have implied for Massachusetts. We hypothesize that the lower number of Early Archaic points reflects lower human populations during Early Archaic times than during Middle Archaic times due to environmental constraints.

Significance of Variability in Archaic Point Assemblages

The analysis of a sample of Archaic points from , private collections led the author to question the effectiveness of traditional tool typologies to explain morphological variability. Causes of variations are discussed; time, space and functional specialization are estimated to contribute only part of the total variation. A systems model relating point manufacture and use to hunting strategies is presented. Chipping and retouching techniques are defined as elements of the system variety. Technical choices constitute the mechanisms maintaining the system in a state of equilibrium; technological change results from the introduction of new sets of techniques. The nature of the choices and the range of variations tolerated within the system are deduced from the analysis of the sample. The analysis relies on a recently developed method of recording morphological characteristics. More extensive methods of testing the model are briefly described.