Tracing traces from present to past : a functional analysis of pre-Columbian shell and stone artefacts from Anse à la Gourde and Morel, Guadeloupe, FWI

Lammers-Keijsers, Y.M.J. (2007)

Doctoral Thesis

This thesis presents the study of the possibilities of functional analysis on shell implements. Shell tools from the pre-Columbian sites of Anse à la Gourde and Morel, Guadeloupe were studied and interpreted based on archaeological, ethnographical, ethnohistorical and experimental data. In addition, flint and stone tools of both sites were analysed. In this thesis functional analysis is approached from an integral point of view in order to be able to reconstruct the past technological system. The results of the functional analysis of all artefact categories are presented as well as a reconstruction of the technological system in the pre-Columbian period. It is demonstrated how this integral approach provides the possibilities to shed light on the choices made in the past on tool use and the utilisation of different raw materials.

• Archaeology
• Caribbean
• Flint tools
• Functional analysis
• Micro wear analysis
• Pre-Columbian period
• Shell tools
• Stone tools

• All authors: Lammers-Keijsers, Y.M.J.
• Supervisor: Louwe Kooijmans, L.P.; Hofman, C.L.
• Co-supervisor: Gijn, A.L. van
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Faculty of Archeology, Leiden University
• Date: 2007-12-12
• Title of host publication: Archaeological Studies Leiden University
• Publisher: Leiden: Leiden University Press
• ISBN (print): 9789087280284
• Name: 15
• Court: LEI Universiteit Leiden