Date of Award
Fall 11-7-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
November 2025
Department
Anthropology
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Katharine Napora
Abstract
A collection of obsidian flake tools was recovered from two sites featuring multiple cultural occupations in Rio Chico (N4C3-170), southern Manabí province, Ecuador. This thesis analyses this collection through macroscopic techniques to indicate differences in how obsidian was utilized throughout cultural occupation in quantity and typology. Diagnostic features of the flake tools have been recorded to draw these distinctions, and depositional context is checked to determine cultural usage at the site.
Currently, the cultural occupations that used obsidian the most at Rio Chico seem to have been the Guangala (100 BCE- 800 CE) and Manteño (800-1500 CE), who fall into a similar tradition of lithic tool typology for the region. They primarily utilized informal flake tools with little to no indication of local manufacturing occurring on site, evidenced by the lack of substantial shatter. Both cultures seem to have favored a slender microblade style tool with use wear along the margins and distal ends.
Recommended Citation
Lasky, Jake, "ANALYZING LITHIC TOOL USAGE IN RIO CHICO, MANABÍ, THROUGH OBSIDIAN FLAKE ASSEMBLAGES" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 202.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/202