Correlations between Reduction Strategies and Settlement Patterns

Abstract

This paper describes the relationships observed between reduction sequences, distances to raw material sources, and settlement mobility. Alternative economizing measures are discussed. The traditional measure based upon a “distance decay” model is contrasted with economizing behaviors that were linked to finishing tools more completely near raw material sources and to curating blanks and tools. It is suggested that prehistoric groups selected these alternative means of economizing their use of raw material dependent upon the ultimate size contraints of the finished tools.Both qualitative and quantitative techniques for establishing the ranges of reduction sequences are described. Data sets from Epipaleolithic sites in southern Jordan and from Late Prehistoric sites in Oklahoma are used to define relationships between settlement patterns and lithic reduction strategies.