Description: Answer specific questions based on your analysis of the Virginia Fluted Point dataset provided for you on Canvas. You will base your responses on the results of your manipulation of the original archaeological data set using analytical tools included with the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software. The ultimate goal is to advance a concise archaeological (anthropological) explanation of the observed patterns. Your answers to questions must be supported by well-designed tables and graphs/charts that clearly identify and convey substantive patterns in the data, and with reference to outside sources.
Basic Context: The data file summarizes selected details compiled in a survey of Virginia fluted points that was begun by the Archaeological Society of Virginia, and Ben McCary, during the mid-twentieth century. Most of the artifacts conform to the basic Clovis style, and most were found in surface rather than excavated context. The large sample provides useful information about the distribution of Clovis-era populations. In order to fully understand the patterns of distribution it is also necessary to have a basic working knowledge of the natural (geological) distribution of flakable lithic materials like chert, jasper, metavolcanics, quartz, and quartzite. A starting point for such information is this web site: http://www.virginiaplaces.org/nativeamerican/geoindians.html (Links to an external site.)
Basic Steps:
“Discipline” the original data using Excel; the goal is to creatively manipulate (analyze) the data for the purpose of discovering patterns that allow you to answer the questions in Item 3 (below). (Use the basic functions in Microsoft’s Excel software that will allow you to efficiently organize the data. Especially useful functions are “Sort”, “Subtotals”, and simple arithmetic formulas. Make use of the brief “primer” I have provided, in addition to the software’s “Help” option and numerous Excel tutorials on the internet.)
Capture informative patterns by creating summary data tables and illustrative charts/graphs. (You may include a total of 4 separate tables and 4 separate graphs with your narrative.)
Give short but precise answers the following questions:
Which raw materials show distinct concentration in certain areas, and where are those areas of concentration?
Which raw materials are more dispersed in their distribution?
Based on what you know about the natural (geological) distribution of lithic raw material sources in Virginia, how do you explain the observed patterns of artifact distribution?
Based on what you know about cultural patterns of Clovis-era raw material exploitation, how do you explain the observed patterns of artifact distribution?
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