Graduation Term
Summer 2026
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Committee Chair
Logan Miller
Committee Member
Shelby Putt
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to ascertain whether or not the skill level of crafters can be assessed by the errors visible on the Hopewell cores used to make stone blades. This assessment was carried out using four points of focus; core shape, blade length, stepping mistakes and termination errors. This assessment was carried out on twenty-nine cores from the Crane site and nineteen cores from Mound house. Total error rates were used to assign cores to three different skill levels, experienced, intermediate, and novice. The assessment of these blade cores illustrates that skill can be observed, and that cores were produced by knappers with a wide range of skill levels at each site. As blade cores are found across the globe if this assessment was carried out on a larger scale patterns could be found between who was crafting what and where.
Access Type
Thesis-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Roelant, Charles, "Strike and Error: Assessing the Skill Level of Crafters Using Lithic Blade Cores" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 2370.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/2370