Pre-Classic Hohokam Obsidian in the Tucson Basin: Examing Patterns in Procurement and Use

Abstract

Obsidian source attribution has become an important tool in examining many aspects of prehistoric lifeways including exchange, identity, social and economic boundaries, and many others. This thesis provides a comprehensive look at obsidian spatial distributions in the Tucson Basin Hohokam Pre-Classic period, ca. A.D. 750-1150. By examining currently available data and providing new data from three sites in the northern Tucson Basin conclusions about trends in spatial and temporal use of obsidian are made. Obsidian procurement and spatial distribution in the Tucson Basin appears to be distinct from neighboring regions and continuity with later Classic period, ca. A.D. 1150-1450 obsidian use is likely. There appears to be a clear preference for western obsidian sources in the northern Tucson basin, while the southern basin may have a slight preference for materials to the east. The limited obsidian data for the Colonial period, ca. A.D. 750-950 suggests that its distribution was controlled by similar processes to those observed in the Sedentary period, ca. A.D. 950-1150. This research further suggests that strong avenues are open for future research.