User:EddieG626

I am an Undergraduate Student at Cal Poly Pomona doing research on Obsidian.

The pages that I intend on editing are: Salton Buttes, Obsidian, and Blade (archaeology). I hereby declare that I will be adding edits to these pages as part of my assignment.

Blade (archaeology) - This page was created on the 24th of May, 2004 at 19:07 by Adamsan.

I want to focus on this page and consider adding information on the cultural implications tab specifically a California header.

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Salton Buttes Wikipedia Page


 * After the last sentence in the Research History subtitle: The importance of understanding the age of Obsidian Butte provides the earliest possible date for lithic quality obsidian that could be harvested from this location. Data indicates that the Obsidian Butte erupted by 490 BCE and this material is essential as both an archaeological age and potential climate marker.


 * Based on the C-14 dating of present Obsidian Butte artifacts, it has been found that the interval from which these were harvested is between 510 BCE to 640 CE. This information is important in discovering and determining the age of when Obsidian Butte may have existed from.

Obsidian Wikipedia Page


 * Include in America’s section: Non-destructive energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence allows researchers to select minor element compositions from both obsidian artifacts and geological samples to compare whether they are from the same source.


 * Obsidian blades are thought of as heirlooms that are passed down from father to son. They hold a great amount of significance within certain tribes.

Obsidian Blades (Focusing more on this Page Now) Edits from Today 5/15 Edit- a - thon


 * The Natives who owned these blades were reluctant to show them to outsiders in the 1890s. They were hidden away and only the owner knew the location.


 * Obsidian is often used as a way to track trade routes due to it having unique compounds which can be traced to its original source. Scientists can use this data to understand the migration patterns with these cultural remains.

Archaeological Analysis
 * Trade of obsidian is known because scientists find obsidian artifacts in areas that have little to no geological obsidian near them. The Chumash and Tongva peoples of the Channel Islands are a great example of how these items are valued because the artifacts found on these islands can be traced to the mainland of California.

Archaeologist employ numerous methods to study both lithic and obsidian blades. Each method contributes to the overall understanding of blades and their roles in past societies.

Trace Element Analysis (Obsidian) - This method of analysis involves measurements of the elemental composition of obsidian blades using the most common method of X-ray fluorescence (XRF). This allows researchers to select chemical compounds and compare them to known geological sources and identify patterns of procurement, trade, and distribution.

Use-Wear Analysis - This method examines the microscopic traces left on blades or tools from use. Based on the examination of wear patterns, archaeologists are able to infer activities such as cutting, scraping, sawing, or hammering.

Microscopic Analysis - This method of analysis utilizes microscopy techniques to examine both the external structure of lithic blades and the internal structure of obsidian blades. This allows researchers to identify manufacturing techniques such as heat treatment or pressure flaking for lithics blades and identify volcanic glass textures, such as microlite and flow banding in obsidian blades.

Experimental Archaeology - This method involves replicating techniques and processes believed to be the same used to produce ancient tools and blades. Archaeologists use this method to gain first-hand experience on how these tools may have been used for and why they may have been produced.

Residue Analysis - This method involves extracting and examining organic and inorganic residues left on well-preserved vessel walls or tool surfaces. This method provides insight into potential foodways, ritual activities, subsistence, economy, and tool function. Some methods that are used include Liquid chromatography, Gas chromatography, and Stable Isotope analysis.

Obsidian Hydration Dating -  Is a geochemical method of determining age in either absolute or relative terms of an artifact made of obsidian.

Function and Use

Like the many methods of studying blades, there is a significant amount of uses these blades could have served.

Butchering and Cutting -  Blades were primarily used for cutting and carving tasks. They were essential for activities such as butchering animals, preparing food, crafting tools and utensils, and shaping wood, bone, or other materials.

Hunting -  Blades played a crucial role in hunting and fishing. Groups used blades as components of projectile points and spearheads, which they attached to arrows, spears, or harpoons. These sharp blades increased the efficiency of hunting and fishing activities.

Processing foods and materials - Blades were employed in processing plant materials. Groups used blades to harvest plants, cut fibers for weaving baskets or mats, prepare materials for cordage, and process seeds or grains for food preparation.

Blades held ceremonial and symbolic significance for many indigenous groups in California. They were incorporated into rituals, dances, and sacred ceremonies, often representing strength, power, or ancestral connections.

The role of functions and use vary between tribes and regions. Lithic and Obsidian blades played a major role in many of their daily aspect of life.

https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=XTPbfQSEWKMC&oi=fnd&pg=PA180&dq=california+lithic+blade+use+plant+processing&ots=8Q7gKPPxD5&sig=dIIBryoWDDz5hEOLh6B43meMkF4#v=onepage&q=use&f=false

https://www.jstor.org/stable/27825658

https://www.scahome.org/publications/proceedings/Proceedings.14Dietler.pdf

https://www.jstor.org/stable/659115