Technology as Context for Obsidian Hydration Studies

Abstract

Anomalous obsidian hydration band width readings have plagued interpretive endeavors and have been used to question the general utility of obsidian hydration as a method for establishing relative chronologies. It is argued that many anomalous band width readings follow from a failure to establish context and, therefore, appropriate controls for sample selection. The results of recent techno-hydration studies indicate that numerous anomalies can be explained. A range of interpretive benefits from combining technological and hydration analyses are recognized.