In-Field Obsidian XRF Analysis of Sites in the Lion Mountain Area and Gallinas Mountains of West-Central New Mexico

Jonathan M. Schaefer, Suzanne L. Eckert, Deborah L. Huntley, Jeffrey R. Ferguson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The Gallinas Mountains of west-central New Mexico were home to agriculturalists between ca. a.d. 850 and 1450. Ongoing research of the Lion Mountain Archaeology Project (LMAP) has allowed for in-field analysis of surface obsidian artifacts via portable handheld energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (ED-XRF). Influenced by principles of preservation archaeology and the archaeological repository curation crisis, the LMAP has sought to design and conduct field research to gather the most data with the least amount of impact to sites. Non-destructive in-field analysis via portable handheld ED-XRF subscribes to these goals while also providing answers to significant questions about human behavior. Results show that variable patterns of obsidian source utilization and procurement strategies existed both through time and between contemporaneous populations. These results are indicative of a shifting system of exchange and social interaction between residents of the region and surrounding areas during the Ancestral Pueblo occupation of the area.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)337-349
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Field Archaeology
Volume48
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023

Keywords

  • American Southwest
  • electron dispersive X-ray fluorescence
  • obsidian
  • portable handheld XRF

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Archaeology
  • Archaeology

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