Size distributions of artifact classes: Combining macro‐and micro‐fractions

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Abstract
The size and composition of microartifacts (objects less than 2 mm) and macroartifacts (objects greater than 2 mm) are utilized to interpret the formational processes of an archaeological site. Because grain‐size distributions are known to reflect mode of transport and source, the attribute of size is examined by plotting each artifact class (unmodified rock, modified rock, ceramic, concretion, bone/shell, and metal) in size frequency diagrams. the plots allow the agent and mode of transport to be reconstructed, which in turn allows the formational processes of the site to be interpreted. the example used is the Pelts Site (23‐DU‐29) of southeastern Missouri. the site was chosen for this pilot study because the formation processes can be reconstructed from other data. the size distributions of each artifact class support those reconstructions and allow the proposed method to be evaluated as an interpretive method for other archaeological sites.