Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2015

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Resource Management

Committee Chair

Patrick McCutcheon

Second Committee Member

Steven Hackenberger

Third Committee Member

Greg Burtchard

Abstract

This thesis applies a theoretically informed protocol that focuses on variation in stone tool manufacture and use as measured in the 45PI408 lithic assemblage. The model used is based on the variables of stone tool cost and performance. Guided by this model, technological and functional paradigmatic classifications are employed to measure intra­site variation in lithic frequencies. This method avoids difficulties encountered by previous archaeologists by using mutually exclusive analytical units that measure subtle variation in the archaeological record. Variability in technological and functional paradigmatic classificatory dimensions such as stone tool heat treatment, raw materials, use wear, and reduction class were used to investigate technological organization across space and time. These results were compared with expectations generated from earlier research. Lithic variation is subtle, but appears to be driven by selective conditions created by Mount Rainier's harsh environment. This variation is driven by multiple modes of natural selection through time at 45PI408.

Comments

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