Lithic analysts have been criticized for being atheoretical in their approach, or at least for not contributing to building archaeological theory. This volume redresses that balance. In Stone Tools, renowned lithic analysts employ explicitly theoretical constructs to explore the archaeological record and use the lithic database to establish its points. Chapters discuss curation, design theory, replacement of stone with metal, piece refitting, and projectile point style.

Inhalt

Recent Trends in Lithic Analysis. Theoreticians Enter Orbit. A Call to Merge Theory and Practice. Part I.: Research Design. Evaluating Lithic Strategies and Design Criteria; B. Hayden, et al.Part II: Curation. Economizing Behavior and the Concept of `Curation'; G.H. Odell. Is Curation a Useful Heuristic? S.E. Nash. Hunter-Gatherer Lithic Economy and Settlement Systems: Understanding Regional Assemblage Variability in the Upper Paleolithic of Portuguese Estremadura; P.T. Thacker. Part III.: Stone Tools and Complex Societies. The Decline and Fall of Flint; S.A. Rosen. Lithic Analysis and Questions of Cultural Complexity: The Maya; J.K. Johnson. The Role of Chipped Stone in the Political Economy of Social Ranking; M.S. Nassaney.Part IV.: Innovation and Style in Projectile Points. When Is an Elko? M.R. Rondeau. Projectile Points, Style and Social Process in the Preceramic of Central Peru; J.W. Rick. Innovation and Selection in Prehistory: A Case Study from the American Bottom; M.J. Shott.Part V: Technique and Methodology. Microwear Analysis of Some Clovis and Experimental Chipped Stone Tools; M. Kay. Lithic Refitting and Archaeological Site Formation Processes: A Case Study from the Twin Ditch Site, Greene County, Illinois; T.A. Morrow.Part VI: Conclusion. A Discussion of Seemingly Important Issues; G.H. Odell, et al. Index.