ZZYZX Lithic Technology Fieldschool
June 11, 2011- June 24, 2011
Instructors:
J. Jeffrey Flenniken, Ph.D.
Principal, Lithic Analysts
James C. Woods, M.A.
Professor, College of Southern Idaho
This class will explore flaked stone tool manufacture and the technological analysis of the resultant debitage. This 14-day course is invaluable to archaeologists wanting to learn and understand flaked stone reduction sequences and how reduction sequences can be reconstructed and identified through technological debitage categories. Reduction sequences, including all debitage, from the selection of the raw lithic material, initial decortication (primary reduction), heat treatment, reduction into the original tool or core form, use, rejuvenation, recycling, deposition into archaeological context, and possible reuse or recycling, will be discussed in detail. The focus of this class will be technological debitage analysis. Participants will learn how to identify debitage categories through constellations of technologically diagnostic attributes.
The instructors, J. Jeffery Flenniken and James C. Woods, together have over 80 years experience replicating and studying prehistoric collections of flaked stone artifacts. They are the foremost living students of the late Don Crabtree. Both have numerous professional publications on prehistoric lithic technology and are world-class, traditional flintknappers.
The workshop will take place at the California Desert Studies Center in the Mojave Desert near the town of Baker, California. The closest major population center to the Desert Studies Center is Las Vegas, Nevada, approximately 100 miles east-northeast of the Center. The Desert Studies Center is a field station of the California State University (CSU) and provides an environment in which groups may concentrate on the subject at hand.The Center is located on the western edge of the Mojave Desert National Preserve and on the shoreline of Soda Dry Lake. The accommodations are dormitory style. Each room holds two to twelve persons. Single, double, or bunk beds with mattresses are provided. There is a bathhouse with flush toilets and hot showers. The Center has WiFi. Information about the Center can be found at
The total cost of the Workshop is $2200.00. This includes meals, the facilities, materials, and instruction. Participants must bring their own bed clothes, towels, and toiletries. The weather at the Center in June is hot. The flintknapping area has shade throughout the day.
To register for the Workshop, contact:
Basin and Range Heritage Consultants
Stephen Horne, PhD, RPA
17225 SW Quail Rd.
Phone: 541-923-7778
Fax: 541-923-7778
Terrebonne, OR 97760