Some Trends in Biface Technology in Central Illinois

Abstract

There is a significant lack of studies of long-term technological change in the Midwest. This paper provides an example of the potential of such studies. A sample of stylistically dated chipped stone bifaces from the Sangamon River Valley is examined. The frequencies of four technological processes . beveling, serration, stem and basal grinding, and heat treating . are noted for each of 6 temporal units. Possible explanations for changes in the frequencies of these processes are suggested.