Style, Function, and Artifact Variability: A Case Study of Great Basin Projectile Points

By
Jelmer Eerkens and Robert L. Bettinger

 

The distinction between style and function has been an important concept in studies of material culture. Most studies dealing with the subject have relied on ethnoarchaeological and qualitative observation. The present paper presents a quantitative model that attempt to numerically discriminate different stylistic and functional processes. The model is then applied to an archaeological case study of Great Basin projectile points. Cases are classified as displaying degrees of emblemic or assertive style and strong and weak functional selection.

Paper presented as part of General Session on Western United States Method and Theory