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Mapping Clovis: Projectile Points, Behavior, and Bias

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Mary M. Prasciunas
Mary M. Prasciunas*
Affiliation:
WestLand Resources, Inc., Tucson, AZ (mprasciunas@westlandresources.com)
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Abstract

The distribution of Clovis projectile points across North America demonstrates distinct spatial patterning that has the potential to inform on many aspects of the colonization process. However, before accurate inferences regarding prehistoric behavior can be drawn from projectile point distributional databases, it is necessary to account for biases potentially affecting point visibility. Using county-level data for a sample of states from the western and southeastern U.S., this paper demonstrates that Clovis projectile point distribution is significantly related to modern population density, cultivated acreage, intensity of archaeological research, and measures of environmental productivity. Interpreting Clovis projectile point distribution is therefore more complex than frequently assumed.

Resumen

Resumen

La distribución de puntas de proyectil Clovis a través de Norteamérica muestra patrones espaciales distintivos que tienen el potencial de revelar sobre muchos aspectos del proceso de colonización. Sin embargo, antes de que se puedan obtener inferencias correctas sobre el comportamiento prehistórico a partir de los datos de distribución de puntas de proyectil, es necesario tener en cuenta los sesgos que puedan afectar el análisis distributivo.. Usando como ejemplo los datos a nivel de condados de los estados del oeste y el sudoeste de los Estados Unidos, este trabajo revela que la distribución de puntas de proyectil tipo Clovis está relacionada de manera importante con la densidad poblacional moderna, los acres cultivados, la intensidad de la investigación arqueológica, y las mediciones de la productividad ambiental. La interpretación de la distribución de puntas de proyectil Clovis, es por lo tanto más compieja que lo que frecuentemente se supone.

Type
Reports
Information
American Antiquity , Volume 76 , Issue 1 , January 2011 , pp. 107 - 126
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 2011

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