GEOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL LITHIC ARTIFACTS IN SOUTH ALABAMA

Lithic artifacts are common elements in archaeological sites throughout southern Alabama, especially in counties with significant geologic outcrops of knappable stone. Understanding the distribution of these materials and range of variability within and between sources, are crucial factors for understanding how prehistoric peoples organized their technology. Archaeologists have identified several key lithic types in southern Alabama, but to date, have only employed visual descriptions of physical specimens such as color to discriminate between them, or to map their distribution. Common geological methods such as thin section and cathodoluminescence petrography, and trace element geochemistry are not routinely employed by archaeologists in Alabama, yet might be able to provide the additional information need to tie lithic artifacts to specific outcrops (quarries) or to establish prehistoric settlement and trade patterns. Our study is an integrated undergraduate geological-archaeological-geochemical investigation of three key lithic types in southern Alabama: (1) Tallahatta Quartzite (actually a quartz arenite), (2) Alabama Agate and (3) Coastal Plain Agate. Each variety is characterized by unique petrographic and geochemical signatures. Tallahatta artifacts, for example, are distinguishable on the basis of multigenerational phases of silica cements (chert, chalcedony and quartz). Our locally-produced data will aid professional archaeologists in better interpreting lithic materials found at lithic sites in the region. The results of this study will also be made accessible to the public and in such a way as to deepen their appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of Alabama as well as provide information on how they can aid in recording and protecting that heritage.