The Obsidian Assemblage from Homol'Ovi III: Social and Economic Implications

ABSTRACT

An analysis of the lithic assemblage at Homol'ovi III indicates that the presence of obsidian, a nonlocal resource, is strongly correlated with the late occupation of the site. It is argued that the increased use of obsidian during this period is related to processes involved in the population aggregation that characterizes the Homol'ovi region during this time. The nature of the obsidian assemblage, however, indicates that the procurement of the material is not reflective of a system involving the specialized production of obsidian tools, nor of a complex exchange system. Some possible reasons for the acquisition of increased amounts of obsidian are presented.