Type of Document	Thesis
Author	Bissett, Thaddeus G.
URN	etd-09172003-170129
Title	Morphologocal Variation Of Bolen Haftable Bifaces: Function And Style Among Chipped-Stone Artifacts From The Early Holocene Southeast
Degree	Master of Science
Department	Anthropology, Department of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Michael K. Faught Committee Chair Glen H. Doran Committee Member William A. Parkinson Committee Member
Keywords	Bolen Artifact
Date of Defense	2003-08-02
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract The data sample analyzed during this research project was compiled for the purpose of providing both dimensional and morphological information that would enable as complete and detailed an analysis as possible of the 200 Bolen haftable bifaces from the Hill Collection. At issue were both the functional and stylistic elements of this artifact type, which has been identified at archaeological sites around the lower southeastern United States, but specifically in Florida, where the type name “Bolen” is most broadly applied. By examining a combination of measurements and discrete attributes, this research was able to expand the understanding of this tool type, both functionally and stylistically. The Bolen artifact type can be characterized as a notched, bifacial chipped stone “projectile point” type first identified in 1958 in northern Florida, and has been dated from multiple contexts to the early Holocene period (10,100 to 9000 radiocarbon years B.P.). By analysis of the database produced through measurement and scoring of the available artifacts, this research project resulted in not only quantification of distinctions between the functional and stylistic segments of Bolen bifaces (the blade and the haft, respectively), but also in new methodological approaches for the description of the basal attributes of these artifacts. Some of these, relating to notch form and basal ears, can potentially be applied to other artifact types. Bolens were most likely produced as the replaceable element in a composite, multifunctioanl tool, based on the standardized dimensions of the haft demonstrated by analysis of measurements of the bases of the artifacts, and the and on the examination of the distribution of edge angles and blade dimensions. There is available, but minimal, evidence that they may have occasionally found use as projectile points (based on the observed impact fractures). Finally, by analyzing the patterning of discrete attributes defined and scored for this collection, relative to their area of origin, there is some basis for suggesting that Bolens exhibit certain regional preferences for specific stylistic attributes, geographically. This could be the result of geographical or social boundaries, time period, or functional considerations. Due to the apparent concentration of some attributes in single areas, it seems likely that the former two are possible, although conclusions are necessarily tentative, due to the nature of the data sample as a part of a private artifact collection.
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