Analysis and interpretation of intrasite spatial patterning of chipped stone artifacts at two sites in northwest Kansas

Abstract

The k-means clustering procedure is a statistical method used to derive patterns of spatial clustering. This method is applied here to discern distributional patterns in lithic artifacts recovered from two sites in northwest Kansas in an attempt to assess site integrity and delineate areas of prehistoric activity. The results of the k-means cluster analysis are compared against spatial data observed and collected for refitting and conjoining lithic artifacts. The spatial distribution of refitted artifacts will serve to test the validity of statistically derived spatial patterns.