The results of trace-element analysis of 200 prismatic blades from Colha, Belize, are reported. Questions concerning possible elite control and restriction of obsidian distribution, and the relative decline and increase of the El Chayal and Ixtepeque sources in varying functional contexts within lower- and upper-status areas are the primary focus of the study. Contrary to expectations, a high percentage (51%) of obsidian was assigned to the Ixtepeque source, 48% was assigned to El Chayal, and only two samples (1%) were assigned to Rio Pixcaya. The use of obsidian from the Ixtepeque source declines through time from Tepeu 2 through Tepeu 3 from 72% to 43%, and Ixtepeque obsidian appears to have had a largely ceremonial use by the Terminal Classic period. It appears that as Ixtepeque obsidian became less available at the site, it fell more into the hands of the elite. This trend runs counter to our expectations of an apparent lack of elite control of Ixtepeque obsidian in the Postclassic. The Colha data suggest that a slightly different process may have governed the distribution of Ixtepeque obsidian in the Late/Terminal Classic than during the Postclassic period. It is not clear, however, whether this trend extends to regional differences in control or is simply a local idiosyncratic phenomenon at Colha.
This study explores the early use of obsidian at the Maya site of Colha in northern Belize and the implications that variations in source distribution have for the site and its regional connections. Energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis of 104 specimens of obsidian from Preclassic contexts at the site identified El Chayal obsidian as the most common overall followed closely by that from San Martin Jilotepeque. Ixtepeque obsidian, not common in many Preclassic assemblages, was also strongly represented. The results revealed a Middle Preclassic dependence on San Martin obsidian gradually diminishing through the Preclassic to the Classic period, when San Martin all but disappears from the site. A corresponding increase in El Chayal obsidian use through time at Colha coincides with the rise of Kaminaljuyu in the Guatemalan highlands. Analysis of the obsidian by context indicated that El Chayal obsidian dominated in architectural and ritual deposits while Ixtepeque obsidian was the most common in workshops. San Martin accounted for a slightly greater percentage than El Chayal obsidian in middens, with Ixtepeque materials notably less common. The data indicate that Colha was connected to a broad distribution network from the Middle Preclassic onward, and that obsidian source variability was greater during the Preclassic than the subsequent Classic period.
Lead hunting ammunition is a key source of lead exposure for wildlife and humans who eat wild game. To improve the effectiveness of lead ammunition risk communication, and avoid unintended negative effects from poorly conceived messages, we examined how New York State hunter education instructors view the lead issue. We conducted in-depth interviews with instructors from 5 New York State regions from September 2020 to February 2021, which generated qualitative data on instructors' knowledge, beliefs, and opinions. We classified instructors into 3 groups: (i) concerned advocates, (ii) resistant skeptics, or (iii) ambivalent educators.Concerned advocates had substantial, accurate knowledge of the lead issue, as judged by the investigators, and a strong desire to avoid lead ammunition. Resistant skeptics believed lead ammunition risks are insignificant, exaggerated, or already well-managed, and strongly resisted using nonlead alternatives. Ambivalent educators self-reported limited knowledge of the lead issue or its significance and a general ambivalence, or even apathy, towards switching to nonlead alternatives. Across groups, instructors made clear they were (i) concerned about the higher price and lower availability of nonlead ammunition, (ii) uncertain about the relative performance of lead versus nonlead ammunition, and (iii) strongly opposed to legislation and regulation. Instructors also strongly believed that
During summer 1979, the Center for Archaeological Research conducted excavations at the Berger Bluff site (41 GO 30A) in Goliad County, Texas. The site, located on a high bluff above Coleto Creek, had been shown to be a valuable archaeological resource in previous test excavations and was potentially endangered by wave erosion from the waters of the soon to be completed Coleto Creek Reservoir. The excavations were considered necessary as a partial mitigation, under the provisions of the Texas Antiquities Code. A single three by four meter excavation unit was opened at the site. Depth of this excavation unit varied from one to two and one-half meters. A large quantity of artifacts, shell, and animal bone was removed from this unit. Although some mixing of deposits was noted, the general cultural stratigraphy appeared much better preserved than at any other sites in the region. Although no radiocarbon dates were available from the upper zone at the site, a. comparison of diagnostic materials from the site with those from nearby areas suggested that the site was occupied a number of times between the Middle Archaic and the Late Prehistoric. The most intense periods of occupation were during the early Late Prehistoric Austin phase and a probable Late Archaic occupation, which could not be tied to a known phase or complex. In addition to the Archaic and Late Prehistoric materials from the upper zone, a radiocarbon date of 11,500 ± 800 B.P., or 9600 B.C., from a hearth (Feature 5) at the base of the bluff suggested a Paleo-Indian occupation at the site. Several general hypotheses concerning the inland coastal cultures of this area are presented as concluding remarks. In addition to the work at 41 GO 30A, a brief examination of the Burris site (41 VT 66) was undertaken at the same time. Data concerning the condition of the site and a list of material collected from the surface are presented in Appendix I.
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