A Typology of Florida Fluted Points Using Landmark-based Geometric Morphometrics

ABSTRACT

This typology of Florida fluted points was created from 164 images of fluted-point bases using landmark-based geometric morphometrics (LGM). Three highly distinctive types were discriminated using the shapes of the point bases. LGM is a powerful method for discriminating shapes, so paying close attention to analytical details is crucial for meaningful analyses. In archaeology, LGM is in its relative infancy compared to its use in biology, and archaeologists have not settled on standard procedures for its use in artifact shape analysis. Several general issues in the use of LGM for artifact-shape discrimination are discussed and illustrated, especially the effects of sample size and the Pinocchio Effect, in which highly variable aspects of an artifact shape, such as the fluted point blade, can affect analyses in unintended ways. The choices made in creating this typology are discussed in detail and alternatives tested to show how choices can significantly change results and archaeological interpretations.

KEYWORDS:

• Fluted point
• typology
• Florida
• Paleoindian
• landmark-based geometric morphometrics

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Heather Smith and Jesse Tune for inviting me to the SAA session. Thanks also to Michael Faught for commenting on the text and Heather Smith and Michael O’Brien for reviewing it.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

David Thulman is an assistant professorial lecturer at George Washington University and president of the Archaeological Research Cooperative, Inc.