A 3D Geometric Morphometric approach for the analysis of Paleoindian projectile points in northwestern Ontario: Tracing migration of the first peoples

Date/Time: 
Vendredi, mai 4, 2018 - 09:10
Presentation Type: 
Oral (live)
Author(s): 
Dave Norris - Western University
Key Word(s): 
Morphometrics
Paleoindian
projectile points
shape variance
migration

Paleoindian projectile point variability in northwestern Ontario consists reflects diverse shapes and forms, but comparatively small numbers of specimens from widely dispersed sites.  Over the past 70 years of Paleoindian documentation within the region, no typology has been established due to this ambiguity.  Traditional means of recording shape variance including caliper measurements of length, width and thickness, but has done little to sort out the variation of form.  Additionally, the variation of form has led to educated speculation and uncertainty regarding the migration of the first peoples into the northwestern Ontario area.  This presentation will introduce a new 3D geometric morphometric approach to the examination of shape variance of these Paleoindian projectile points.  Focus of the analysis is based on shape variance of the basal portion of projectile points, given that these change over space and time and are considered to yield the most culturally laden information.   The approach applies 3D scanning technology, 3D geometric morphometric software and statistical analysis to compare overall shape of Paleoindian projectile points in northwestern Ontario to adjacent surrounding areas such as Manitoba and Minnesota.  Results from the analysis suggest complex patterned variability in overall shape and form in Paleoindian projectile points, that suggest diverse stylistic similarities to those from surrounding areas which, in turn imply complex patterns of diffusion or migration.