Chipped Stone Nodules: Theory, Method, and Examples

Abstract

With the recent proliferation of refitting studles, grouping artifacts into raw material nodules in preparation for refitting is becoming more common. Even if little is found to fit, the nodules formed in the refitting process still yield Information beyond that which can be gained by Just identifying raw material type, or even raw material source locations for assemblages. We discuss minimumanalytical nodules (MAN) and their analysts (MANA) as a means of further understanding chipped stone technological organization. We use several case studies from the Northwest Plains and Rocky Mountain chipped stone assemblages ranging in age from more than 10.000 to 100 years old in order to address implications for forager technology.