Thesis
Lithic technological organization in the Three Rivers region of the Maya Lowlands
Washington State University
Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
2003
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/143
Abstract
This thesis presents the results of an investigation into the lithic technological organization as they relate to the political, social, and economic organization through time for the Three Rivers region of the Maya Lowlands. A model of social and political organization is presented and used as a platform from which expectations of the lithic technology in the region are drawn. These expectations are explored and tested where data and sample size are sufficient. To facilitate the analysis and organize the data into more manageable units, a lithic typology specific to the Three Rivers region was developed. Descriptions of each stone tool type are presented as are definitions for each attribute and variable recorded during the lithic analysis. Three conclusions were reached as a result of this research. First, three sites of variable size and function engaged in lithic craft specialization. At each location however, different social factors led to its development. Second, minimal ceremonial centers (also known as rural elite or hinterland elite) functioned in a heterarchical way relative to their specialized position within the community, and the stone tools found at these sites reflect this variability. This observed variability may be related to the agricultural potential of the land around each center. Finally, in the process of developing a region specific stone tool typology, strong candidates for chronological markers were identified among the biface tools, particularly the thin bifaces.
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Details
- Title
- Lithic technological organization in the Three Rivers region of the Maya Lowlands
- Creators
- David Michael Hyde
- Contributors
- William Andrefsky (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Anthropology, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525060301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis