Dennis A. Knepper

IMMUNOLOGICAL AND MICROWEAR ANALYSIS OF CHIPPED-STONE ARTIFACTS FROM PIEDMONT CONTEXTS

Immunological and microwear analysis was performed on 100 chipped-stone artifacts from four prehistoric sites located in the Virginia Piedmont. A total of 20 artifacts returned positive results for immunological analysis and 16 artifacts returned microwear results. The findings indicate the negative effects of postdepositional processes and the potential utility of the techniques for deciphering prehistoric activities, otherwise unavailable by conventional studies in piedmont contexts. The study further illustrates the value and problems associated with immunological and microwear analyses on chipped-stone

Assessing prehistoric chronology in piedmont contexts

The chronology of six prehistoric archaeological sites in piedmont contexts of northern Virginia are evaluated. Timing of site occupation and regional chronology is assessed on the basis of commonly accepted projectile point styles and radiocarbon dates. The relationship between projectile points and absolute dates is examined. Three projectile point types, the Lobate, the Piscataway, and the Woodland Site-Notched, are evaluated with regard to their possible temporal contexts. Methodological issues and problems relating to the presence and quality of chronological data are explored.