Micro-Analysis of Wear-Patterns on Projectile Points and Knives from the Jurgens Site,Kersey, Colorado

Abstract

Based on a sample of 76 artifacts of the Paleo-Indian Tradition from the Jurgens Site, Kersey, Colorado, the problem of functional diversity within a single morphological category of Plano (Jennings 1955) projectile points and/or knives is considered in terms of formal and functional analysis. Intensive mascroscopic and microscopic analysis of the artifacts is the basis for investigation. It is concluded that microscopic analysis of wear-patterns provides the means for more realistic evaluation of artifact function, which in turn enhances our understanding of morphological and functional changes through time. Analysis also revealed that within this collection the functional parameters can be defined in terms of breakage series and tool length. It is concluded that the results of this study have important implications for the interpretation of Paleo-Indian lithic technology.