From the Gravels: An Analysis of Chipped Stone and Debitage from Structure 24 at Spiro (34LF48)

Abstract

Structure 24 is a Harlan Phase (A.D. 1100-1250) nonmound building on the upper terrace of Spiro (34LF48) with an extended entryway. This structure was identified via geophysical survey in 2012 and later excavated in 2022 and 2024 by the University of Oklahoma. Spiro is located along the Arkansas River in Le Flore County, Oklahoma, nestled between the Ozark Mountains in the north and the Ouachita Mountains to the south. This thesis provides an in-depth study of all lithic debitage and chipped stone tools recovered from the household of Structure 24. In my analysis I aim to compare my findings to previous excavations of lithic debitage at Spiro. I also question the goal of lithic reduction occurring at Structure 24. To approach these research questions I utilize lithic mass analysis, individual flake attribute analysis, and spatial exploratory analysis. Results of the study show bipolar reduction of abundant local chert gravels was the basis of an expedient lithic industry that reduced multidirectional cores into usable flakes. Cobble blades are a newly identified lithic flake tool from this thesis that expands the known lithic toolkit of Spiro. I argue that the abundant availability and domestic usage of similar, and familiar, raw material types from local streams promoted social stability across the northern Caddo region. Usage of local lithic resources counteracted the exotic goods being obtained from across the continent by the few people living at regional ceremonial sites such as Spiro. Research generated from this thesis provides a foundation for further discussions of lithic usage in domestic contexts at Spiro and the broader Caddo world.