Analysis of lithic material from the Boxed Springs site (41UR30)

Abstract

While the Boxed Springs site is primarily known for the elaborate Early Caddo (800-1200 CE) ceramic assemblage from cemetery contexts, lithic material is also abundant at the site. This study describes the stone tool assemblage recovered from Wichita State University’s investigations in 2021 and 2022. Although the time frames allotted for excavations were limited at Boxed Springs, lithic material recovered at the site was abundant. This analysis was conducted in order to: Identify and document the raw material within the site, attempt a better understanding of the stages of production that may be present, and to identify and document any diagnostic artifacts recovered. The procurement of raw materials, especially when examined alongside stages of production present at Boxed Springs has the potential to provide information concerning possible cultural spheres and areas of interaction for the people that once lived there. Further, the presence of diagnostic lithic artifacts may assist in providing clues as to Caddo lifeways, both at Boxed Springs and within the larger Caddo cultural sphere.