Use-wear analysis of the Clovis biface collection from the Gault site in central Texas
Abstract
Use-wear studies were undertaken to determine if the Clovis bifaces discovered
at the Gault site in Central Texas were utilized implements or rather products of lithic
raw material procurement. Those bifaces bearing microscopic traces indicative of use
were studied in detail to determine the use-history of the tools. This thesis describes an
experimental program aimed to build analogues for probable biface functions. A series
of projectile impact studies, butchering experiments, and expedient-like tool useactivities
were conducted to document the traces acquired on the tool surface from use.
The experimental results are used to identify the utilized tools, demonstrate their
functional purpose, and suggest the extent of tool use of the prehistoric biface
assemblage.
Citation
Smallwood, Ashley Michelle (2006). Use-wear analysis of the Clovis biface collection from the Gault site in central Texas. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1038.