A macroscopic analysis of lithics from the eastern Driftless : what is local?

Abstract

Lithic sourcing is a common practice used by archaeologists in order to investigate mobility and trade. The lithic material available within the Driftless Area of Wisconsin exhibits a wide degree of variation in color, luster, and texture, making it difficult to source. This study analyzes collections from in and around Donald Park, Dane County, Wisconsin. Three types of assemblages were used: two private collections of formal tools, a collection of archaeological material gathered by a professional archaeologist, and lithic material personally collected from a stream in the area. Each of these collections was observed and characteristics were compared across collections. The non-archaeological material was heat treated and again compared to the archaeological collections. The analysis of visual characteristics shows that much of the material present as formal tools may indeed be local in origin. It also better defines the qualities and characteristics of local lithic materials.