Reeves, Brian O. K.Hull, Kathleen L. (Kathleen Louann), 1959-2005-07-212005-07-2119830315262699http://hdl.handle.net/1880/22748Bibliography: p. 127-132.Microdebitage -- flakes of stone less than 1.0mm in maximum dimension resulting from lithic reduction or tool use -- comprise a new artifact category within contempor­ary archaeology. Initial studies in identification and methodology sug0est several research problems for which microdebitage analysis may provide ans??ers, but considera­tion of site formation processes and spatial theory indi­cates that microdebitage may be particularly informative for intra-site spatial analysis. Unlike "macrodebitage," which is subject to numerous processes that alter the re­lationship of artifact and activity area, microdebitage distributions may aid in distinguishing activity and dis­posal areas, as well as allowing assessment of "tool kits." Using modified procedures and identification criteria developed in the course of study at the Bow Bottom site in Calgary, Alberta, application of microdebitage analysis to examination of spatial patterning appears to be quite promising. Results from three excavated "tipi rings" indi- cate that reiterative cultural and individual patterns of intra-structure space use are evident. In general, com- parison of macrodebitage and microdebitage distributions suggests consistent patterns of activity, disposal, and alternate use not apparent in macroflake distributions alone. In addition, ethnographic, ethnohistoric, and ethnoarchaeological information all indicate that the patterns recognized microscopically tend to fit expected patterns of behaviour for tipi-dwelling peoples. Given the promising results of this pilot study, gen­eral application of microdebitage analysis to intra-site spatial archaeology for certain sites and under particular conditions appears to be a valuable interpretive tool.xiii, 219 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.CC 75.7 H84 1986Archaeology - MethodologyIndians of North America - Alberta - Calgary - Antiquitiesmaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/16324CC 75.7 H84 1986