Mira McQuown L&S Social Sciences
Indigenous Lithic Resource Practices in the Santa Cruz Mountains
The project goal is to use microscopic approaches to statistically evaluate patterns in lithic resource utilization and obsidian sourcing using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) on samples from two archaeological sites in the Santa Cruz Mountains. XRF studies have led to knowledge about how Native people had wide-spread networks of trade, since obsidian can be sourced to specific locations across the state. Examining lithic (stone tool) samples provide markers for social interactions and exchange, showing the patterns of source use before and during European contact. If Native people living in the mountains of Santa Cruz maintained their lithic traditions during the Mission period, then evidence of this cultural persistence will be seen by comparing the obsidian datasets from both sites. I hypothesize the patterns of obsidian use at the two sites to be statistically similar in terms of material type and how the tools were used specifically.
Message To Sponsor
I would like to thank my donors, the SURF program, Professor Kent Lightfoot and Alec Apodaca for their continued support and direction in my project. This research would not be possible without collaboration with The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and I extend my gratitude for this opportunity. Thank you donors for your incredible support of student researchers and making this fellowship possible!