ANTH 473 - Lithic Technology

Credits: 4

Course addresses history, theory, and methods of lithic technology, including its value in archaeological interpretation and multiple aspects of the interpretation of material culture. Topics include the nature and provenience of rocks commonly used for stone tools (petrography, sourcing, prehistoric procurement strategies); different methods of knapping and tool making; spatial analysis; local and regional organization of lithic production in different prehistoric contexts and case studies (readings and work on actual artifacts). Students will also learn the basics of flintknapping to better understand the role of constraints and styles within communities of practice. Archaeological lab/methods course. Prerequisite: ANTH 167 and/or one 200-level or higher archaeology course.