Archaeologists to excavate Ice Age site in Florida with early human remains

reply to post by punkinworks10


Unfortunately I think you hit the nail right on the head regarding potential Clovis sites in Cali. Oregon/Washington/BC are probably the best bets for west coast possibilities. One thought occurred to me since this thread popped up and I'm curious what your opinion might be. One of the distinguishing factors between Clovis and Folsom is the change in large game they hunted. While Clovis is known for their utilization of Mammoths, whether they picked off stragglers at water holes or hunted them outright isn't really pertinent, while Folsom is known for hunting or utilizing Bison Antiquus. Neither species is with us anymore. Do you think it's possible or are you aware of any data or papers that speculate on the possibility of this change in food/resource strategy is related to decline of the mammoth necessitating the switch to the very large Bison that were around? Just a random thought that popped into my head while taking a quick look for info on the Oklahoma shelters you mentioned.

reply to post by peter vlar


Peter ,
Kinda off the subject, but still apropos,

Abstract
Keywords
References

Journal of Archaeological Science
Volume 27, Issue 9, September 2000, Pages 799–820


Regular Article
Why Flute? Folsom Point Design and Adaptation
Stanley A. Ahlera, Phil R. Geibb
a PaleoCultural Research Group, P.O. Box EE, Flagstaff, AZ, 86002, U.S.A.
b Navajo Nation Archaeology Department, Box 6013, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, U.S.A.
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Abstract
The fluting of Folsom points is an elegant technological solution to several problems faced by highly mobile hunters focused on bison procurement. The symmetrical, bifluted form allowed a split, facial-contact haft to extend nearly to the tip, thereby controlling both location and extent of fracture and allowing many cycles of point reworking. Extreme thinness achieved by fluting facilitated leading edge sharpness for enhanced penetration. The near-constant cross- section from tip to base meant no loss of leading edge acuteness upon resharpening and inter-changeability of broken segments. The high-friction, forwardly adjustable haft assured firm mounting even with shortened, reused point segments. This efficient design was critical for groups who spent weeks and maybe months away from raw material sources in pursuit of game. Short, exhausted Folsom points or “slugs” are what archaeologists most commonly find and study. In contrast, a quite long, fully fluted point made from a yet longer preform was the intended product of the Folsom knapper. The model presented here can be tested through study of preform length, finished point proportions, fracture patterns, haft element features, and use-wear analysis in archaeological specimens, as well as actualistic hunting experiments. The engine driving persistent use of snap blade, full fluted projectile technology was focused commitment to a single, highly mobile game species (bison). This specific technofunctional element in Folsom culture reveals a weapon system designed to mitigate against extreme risk regarding access to raw material. Continuing research should demonstrate that the appearance, geographic distribution, persistence, and disappearance of the Folsom fluted point relate closely to juxtapositions of climatic change, biotic change, and human population movements that occurred near the end of the Pleistocene.

archaeology.about.com.../XJ&zTi=1&sdn=archaeology&cdn=education&tm=1438&f=21&tt=13&bt=1&bts=98&zu=http%3A//dx.doi.org/10.1006/jasc. 1999.0503