Early Archaic/Early Holocene Lithic Technology in Southcentral Ontario, Canada By Jeffrey A. Bursey A Thesis Submitted in Conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto Copyright by Jeffrey A. 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A Thesis Submitted in Conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, 2008. ABSTRACT In this study, I describe the lithic reduction sequence from a series of archaeological assemblages recovered from around the west end of Lake Ontario. All these assemblages were recovered in association with variants of the Kirk Corner-notched projectile point type and so these are inferred to represent debris produced during a single technological horizon from the Early Archaic of the region. These assemblages appear to represent debris and tools discarded during manufacture and/or reworking. These types of deposits can therefore be used to analyse the technological system of manufacture. I hypothesise that the reduction sequence described here was an integrated system designed to meet the needs of mobile hunter-gatherers as they traversed the landscape from the Niagara Peninsula to the northeast of Lake Ontario. Attributes of this reduction sequence include the maintenance of cores and common patterns for the unidirectional detachment of flakes from both the cores and almost finished bifaces. I further argue that the detachment of flakes was done to produce tool blanks for less formal tool types that were relatively predictable in future utility; preforms ideal for transformation into a projectile point; and projectile points ideal for use as penetrating tools that were also easily maintained and resharpened. Variation in projectile points can be interpreted as resulting from these tools being produced from different trajectories of the reduction system and reworking after use. Three additional conclusions are offered from these inferences. First, no single assemblage appears to represent the full reduction sequence. Second, while the assemblages represent a continuum of lithic reduction, all produced the same kinds of tools. Consequently, lacking evidence of task specialisation, it is argued that all represent residential relocations. Finally, I argue that some aspects of the mobility pattern of the Fluted Point Horizon appears to continue into the Corner-notched Horizon. Additional evidence of continuity with the Unfluted Lanceolate Biface Horizon suggests that the changes seen through time may have occurred without a population replacement. However, this reduction system was very much dependant upon the nature of the raw material available for use. in ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Between the first test pit survey to find the Thornbush site and the final version of this dissertation, almost 20 years has passed. In that time I have worked with literally hundreds of people who have influenced my thinking to various degrees. Unfortunately, while I think I have a good memory, it is frequently short and I cannot remember everyone who has made a contribution. A few individuals however, can certainly be mentioned. First and foremost, I have worked with Andrew Murray every year since 1987 (talk about being in a rut!) and this has always been productive and entertaining. Andrew took most of the photos used in this dissertation and provided most of the graphics and maps. Additionally, Andrew provided access to the Upstairs site assemblage and copies of that report as well as many others. I cannot imagine how this dissertation could have been accomplished without his assistance and I find it difficult to conceive how I would have stayed in archaeology without being able to argue and joke with him. Andrew's partner, Jackie Dolling, joined MTO in 1990 and I have had the pleasure of working with her every year since. Jackie always takes a practical approach to fieldwork and report writing that ensures everything gets done with utmost efficiency and accuracy. I have opined many times that, individually or as a team, Jackie and Andrew are among the most competent and professional field workers in the discipline. I first worked with Phil Woodley in 1985 and again for several years with MTO and now draw most of my income from his CRM firm. Phil's sense of humour and dedication to both archaeology and the people who decide to do this kind of work makes every project enjoyable and he always puts archaeological ethics at the top of his list of priorities. Phil also allowed access to assemblages like the Ringtail and Current sites, the Southampton Estates and Empire Greens assemblages. He also provided maps (by way of Andrew) that I was able to use. During the years of writing this dissertation, Phil was indulgent with my own priorities and flexible hours so I could manage to get this done. (Which I hope sounds more diplomatic than suggesting he just wasn't paying attention.) I have also benefited from working with Dr. Gary Warrick over the years. Gary was the manager of the MTO archaeology crew when the Kipling cluster of sites was excavated. Because of his flexibility, we were able to excavate these sites under optimal conditions, doing other chores and projects when the clay was too wet, etc. Gary also provided access to the assemblages so I could examine them repeatedly and in detail. Penny Young was also of considerable assistance here. Other assemblages used in this study include the Wellingdale cluster of sites as well as some isolated KCN projectile points that were made available to me by Dr. R. Williamson and Bev Garner at ASI in Toronto. Dr. Neal Ferris and John MacDonald at MCR, London, made the Cherry Orchard assemblage available. I would not have initiated this study without some experience and interest in lithic technology and for that I must thank the rock heads and flint snappers I have run across. My interest in lithics (and bleeding, it seems) was initiated by Bill Fox (aka Guy (c'est un vieux) Renard) who led the first series of chert chases I was able to go on. This, in turn led to meeting the inestimable Jack Holland and innumerable other chert chases crossing much on North America. Jack also introduced me to Dr. Kevin Smith, then at the Buffalo Museum of Science, who provided some valuable insights into the early ideas for this dissertation. Jack also introduced me to Dan Long, a naturally gifted flint knapper. It was in the company of Dan (and Andrew) that I first noticed and began thinking about the flaking pattern seen on KCN points. One the most long-lasting and important results of these early chert-chasing expeditions must be meeting the wild man in the backseat of that first chert trip. Fred (and later Jean) Moerschfelder remains a highly dedicated avocational archaeologist and the flint snapper who has taught me the most. Fred joined in many a memorable chert chase (and at least one barely memorable border crossing, probably managed by Fox and Holland) and was instrumental in one extremely important lesson I learned: never flint knap in the bed you are about to sleep in, particularly if it is a waterbed. Flint knappers can do things to motel rooms that even Keith Moon would have been impressed with. Fred and Jean always treated me like family and I spent many a day flint knapping in the sugar shack. I still think there is a viable research paper on the movement of bloodstained lithic artifacts as distributed by dogs. Exploring the thermal efficiency of sleeping under a sap-boiling pan, however, may require more of an inter­ disciplinary perspective than I can muster now. Without question, my thinking on all things archaeological and anthropological has been profoundly and irreversibly changed by my time at the University of Toronto. I have found that every course I took over the years, from Max Friesen's course on hunters and gatherers to Lee and Chazan's course on anthropological paradigms has given me ideas (and a reading list) that I have returned to again and again.