This research examines Archaic Period (~9500-2500 RCYBP) bone tool use and production strategies in the St. Johns River Basin, Florida. Bone artifacts (n=509) from six sites form the composite assemblage studied. Microwear and manufacture patterns are analyzed to answer three questions about bone technology: 1) Are archaeologically imposed morphological tool “types” functionally relevant? 2) What aspects of tool shape influenced prehistoric tool use? 3) Did Archaic groups in the St. Johns River Basin have a consistent bone tool production
strategy?
Results from statistical analysis of microwear patterns indicate that morphological tool “types” are functionally relevant. Furthermore, statistical tests indicate that bone tool use varies according to specific tool tip forms, base forms, shaft forms, and cross-sections. Buttressed by replication experiments, this research provides quantitative evidence for consistent Archaic bone tool manufacture strategies in the St. Johns River Basin. Overall, this thesis provides comparative use and manufacture data for bone tools in the region, grounded in statistically significant patterns.
