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Presentation
Lithic Morphological Organization: Gahagan Bifaces from Texas and Louisiana
Presented at the 2019 Louisiana Archaeological Society and the 2019 Caddo Conference (2019)
  • Robert Z. Selden, Jr.
  • Dr. John E. Dockall
  • Dr. Harry J. Shafer
Abstract
This analysis of Gahagan biface morphology enlists the three largest samples of Gahagan bifaces, to include that of the type site (Gahagan Mound) as well as the Mounds Plantation and George C. Davis sites. Results indicate a significant difference in Gahagan biface morphology at the Mounds Plantation site when compared with Gahagan bifaces from the Gahagan Mound and George C. Davis sites. A test of morphological integration indicates that Gahagan bifaces are significantly integrated, meaning that those traits used to characterize their shape (blade and base) vary in a coordinated manner. Tests for allometry and asymmetry were not significant. Results augment previous inquiries, providing additional evidence for a north-south divide based upon biface morphology used to define two communities of practice. Viewed in concert with morphological shifts in Hickory (Fine) Engraved and Smithport Plain bottles over the same geographic area, results lend support to an increasingly robust argument for two previously unrecognized and morphologically-unique Caddo communities of practice.
Keywords
  • Archaeology,
  • American Southeast,
  • Caddo,
  • Biface,
  • Stone Tool,
  • Lithic,
  • Morphology,
  • Geometric Morphometrics,
  • Shape
Publication Date
2019
Citation Information
Robert Z. Selden, John E. Dockall and Harry J. Shafer. "Lithic Morphological Organization: Gahagan Bifaces from Texas and Louisiana" Presented at the 2019 Louisiana Archaeological Society and the 2019 Caddo Conference (2019)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/zac_selden/216/
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons CC_BY-NC-ND International License.