Raw Material Variability, Package Size, and Mass Analysis

ABSTRACT

Data generated from a number of controlled flintknapping experiments are used to examine the mass analysis of flake debris. Data from one set of experiments are employed to classify flake debris produced during other experiments. General trends in mass analysis are found to be consistent across different experimental data sets. However, significant differences in correct classification rates between experimental assemblages are sometimes observed. Factors such as knapper and analyst variability were held Constant, thus raw material variability, predominantly in the form of package size, is suggested as the primary influence on Classification results. Simple graphical displays of the data are shown to be useful heuristic devices for the Interpretation of mass analysis results. We conclude that mass analysis be used as an independent facet of a suite of analytical techniques.