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    The Cutting Edge of Subsistence Diversification: Use-Wear Analysis of a Specialized Lithic Plant Processing Technology at a Middle Archaic Central Plains Site

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    Douglas_ku_0099M_14363_DATA_1.pdf (3.087Mb)
    Issue Date
    2015-12-31
    Author
    Douglas, Allison Kimber
    Publisher
    University of Kansas
    Format
    73 pages
    Type
    Thesis
    Degree Level
    M.A.
    Discipline
    Anthropology
    Rights
    Copyright held by the author.
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    Abstract
    Archaeologists are often limited in their understanding of plant use at sites predating cultivation. Such knowledge must typically be inferred by analyses of material culture, since preservation of floral remains is generally poor for this time period. Bifacial knives from the Coffey site (14PO1) in eastern Kansas dating to the Middle Archaic Munkers Creek phase are a case in point. The knives represent a specialized plant-gathering technology predating plant cultivation on the Central Plains, which can be inferred through microscopic use-wear analysis of the tools. When compared to past studies of sickle blade use-wear and an experimental set of tools used to cut big bluestem grass, striation patterns confirm that the Munkers Creek knives are specialized plant processing implements. This is a unique feature for the Central Plains Archaic representing the onset of subsistence diversification in the region as a response to the Altithermal. The experiments which support this conclusion also indicate that plant-cutting striations may be created by abrasive materials within the plants themselves rather than by surface soil or soil adhering to the plants. Future research may identify discernable differences in these abrasive materials and the striations they create, thereby tying particular plant species to wear patterns, and potentially informing archaeologists on prehistoric plant use beyond what is currently known.
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/1808/20915
    Collections
    • Anthropology Dissertations and Theses [127]
    • Theses [3797]

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    Contact KU ScholarWorks
    785-864-8983
    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    785-864-8983

    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    Image Credits
     

     

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