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A New Method for Describing and Analyzing Artifact Shape

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Harold L. Dibble
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
Philip G. Chase
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721

Abstract

A simple, yet objective and replicable method for recording a number of variables of the two-dimensional morphology of artifacts is presented and described. This method permits precise quantification of variables such as artifact shape and area, retouch length along the perimeter of chipped stone tools, measures of convexity or concavity, area and location of cortex, etc. Moreover, it allows for direct comparisons among varied artifact assemblages.

Type
Reports
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 1981

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References

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