Evolutionary Perspectives for the Analysis of Prehistoric Lithic Artifacts: An Example from the Western Highland Rim of Tennessee

The goal of this thesis is to develop an evolutionary framework for the analysis of prehistoric lithic artifacts. The principles of evolutionary theory are presented and then extended to the lithic artifact analysis. Methods are developed based on the theoretical framework. Lithic artifacts recovered from two Terminal Archaic Wells Creek phase sites in Houston County, Tennessee are used as a case study to demonstrate the utility of such an approach. Variability can be demonstrated with respect to morphology, technology, and function of lithic implements. Elements that may represent attributes under selective pressure are examined.

The lithic material recovered from the two sites is shown to be quite distinct from other contemporary groups in the area. It is suggested here, based on similarities in both morphological forms and technology, that Wells Creek is related to the Riverton Culture and similar entities known from archaeological remains recovered from sites north of the study area. Radiocarbon dates for Wells Creek overlap those of Riverton and other similar groups.