Agencies
Services
Illinois Archaeology Lecture Series
- 10956 N. Dickson Mounds Rd.
- Lewistown, Illinois 61542
Dr. Michael D. Wiant, Director Emeritus of the Illinois State Museum, Dickson Mounds, will present The Source, Acquisition, and Use of Obsidian during the Middle Woodland Period of Native American History, circa 100 BCE – 400 CE as this month’s Illinois Archaeology lecture, on Sunday, March 17th at 2:00 p.m.
Based on a study of more than 600 obsidian, or volcanic glass, artifacts from areas of Native American activity between 100 BCE and 400 CE, we have improved our understanding of the material's sources, the timing of acquisition, how it may have been acquired, and its use. In the Illinois River Valley, the production of lamellar flakes, a highly efficient use of the material, dominates the artifact assemblage. Evidence of bifacial reduction, while present, is rare, in striking contrast to the contemporary use of obsidian in Ohio Hopewell communities.
The lecture begins promptly at 2:00 p.m. followed by an opportunity to meet with the speaker and museum staff. Admission is free; however, donations are appreciated.
Image: Obsidian among other rocks and minerals in nature, from The Field Museum.