Macroscopic and attribute analysis of the lithic assemblage for the Jackson Site (DiMe-17)

Conference Paper

Macroscopic and attribute analysis of the lithic assemblage for the Jackson Site (DiMe-17)

Leanne Belsham

Abstract

A number of techniques used to study stone, have been applied to the lithic assemblage the Jackson Site, a Vickers occupation dated circa 330±60 B.P. An analysis using macroscopic properties and attributes for each tool and debitage class has been completed to determine tool and flake types and manufacturing techniques. Individual flake analysis, the examination of rock types, both local and exotic material use, and the use of heat treatment were employed in the research. Previous researchers have used the application of ultraviolet light to differentiate between Knife River flint and chalcedony and this technique has been evaluated. The results from the flake and tool analysis have been applied to a spatial study of the kill, midden, and habitation zones, of this kill/processing site in the Lauder Sandhills. By using lithic analysis, secondary utilization of the site is evident. Preliminary results are discussed in this presentation.