 |
||
 |
 |
|
|
MA/PhD Theses Abstracts of Current Students & Alumni |
 |
|
Ste. Claire, Dana, December 1982 - ROCK HAMMOCK: HERNANDO PROJECTILE POINT MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE HILLSBOROUGH RIVER BASIN
Abstract: Phase III mitigative excavations of the Rock Hammock site (8-Hi-556), the Tampa Palms site (8-Hi-557), and the Priscilla site (8-Hi-559) were conducted by the University of South Florida during the summer of 1981. The excavations were funded by the Deltona Corporation which has plans for a large community development in the area. Archaeological research for the Deltona-Tampa Palms sites focused on specific research objectives, mainly those dealing with prehistoric technology in the Central Gulf Coast region and more specifically, the Hillsborough River Basin. A major research emphasis was the study of lithic reduction processes at the Rock Hammock site. Analysis of data from the site has revealed a relatively narrow temporal range represented by a predominance of Hernando projectile points diagnostic of the Transitional through Weeden Island periods (ca. 1000 B.C. to A.D. 1250) (Milanich and Fairbanks 1980). The presence of two Pinellas projectile points indicates that post-Weeden Island occupation may have occurred on a limited scale. Ceramics were scarce and undiagnostic of any specific cultural period. Major site activities involved the reduction of chert into Hernando projectile points. Material was recovered which indicates that reduction activities occurred during all but the very earliest stages of the production sequence (i.e. the procurement of raw materials (chert) and initial core reduction). Core fragments, blanks, preforms, and nearly completed projectile points (both whole and broken) were recovered in addition to lithic debitage characteristic of primary, secondary, and tertiary reduction activities. Almost all of the lithic material recovered from the site was associated with the manufacture of Hernando points. Lithic material at Rock Hammock was spatially and vertically con- centrated. Manufacture debris extended to a depth of only 50 cm below ground surface with most of the material occurring in the first 20 cm. Excavation strategy called for the exposure of large, contiguous areas to determine areal patterns of flake discard and manufacture debris distribution. Several discreet areas of lithic concentration characterized by specific chert and flake types were exposed and probably represent individual flint knapping activities. The lithic reduction continuum at Rock Hammock was determined through careful analysis of rejected debris, mainly discarded blanks and preforms, and laterally fractured projectile points. Based on data derived from this technological model, statements are made regarding Hernando projectile point manufacturing behavior. A quantitative analysis of the Rock Hammock material, as well as Hernando points from other areas of Florida, was conducted in an effort to resolve the controversy regarding the function of these points as either atlatl darts or arrowheads. Although the results proved inconclusive regarding the use of the bow and arrow, the sudden decrease in size and weight and the introduction of basal notching during the Transitional period suggests that this point represents the introduction of a new technological adaptation.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|