Schedule
of Events
Tours
Anthropology
|
Botany
| Entomology
| Invertebrate
Zoology
Mineral
Sciences
|
Paleobiology
| Zoology
U.S.
National Anthropology Collections
The Stone Tool
Collection
Location:
Academic Resources Center
- ARC
NHB, Main Building, Ground Floor, Room 60A
Host:
Suzanne
Pilaar
Guide:
Dennis Stanford
Logistics:
After
the lecture we'll take a short break, reconvene
in the ARC, and then head up to Dr. Stanfords
Lab (Main Building, Third Floor).
This
tour features the opportunity to see the artifacts
discussed during Dr. Stanfords lecture as well
as the stone tool collection, including a variety
of colvis points.
The
tools were flaked from many materials including
quartz which produced transparent objects. Many
of the clovis points are exceptionally colorful,
and beautiful, with patterns and designs worthy
of a fine piece of art rather than just a hunting
weapon. Not only do the points exhibit outstanding
workmanship for efficient hunting, but it also
seems the crafter placed great importance in design
and appearance. So why did these ancient peoples
spend time and effort seeking out particularly
colorful and beautifully patterned rock for flaking
when almost any rock would produce the same weapon?
Although we may never know for sure, drawing from
current hunting cultures, Dennis hypothesizes
that ancient Americans had great respect for their
prey who provided life giving meat to the hunter
and therefore honored them through the quality
and appearance of the point.
