The Experimental Reduction of Rock in a Camas Oven: Towards an Understanding of the Behavioral Significance of Fire-cracked Rock

Authors

Douglas C. Wilson, Portland State UniversityFollow
David V. DeLyria

Published In

Archaeology in Washington

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1999

Subjects

Archaeology -- Methodology, Stone implements -- Analysis, Excavations (Archaeology) -- Pacific Northwest Region, Prehistoric hearths

Abstract

The selection and management of rock for roasting ovens, hearths, and sweat lodges were not trivial concerns for prehistoric households. The results of replicating a camas roasting oven are used to address the use-life and use-stages of fire-cracked rock. We concluded that the industry associated with the procurement and management of fire-cracked rock in the Pacific Northwest required significant quantities of labor and expertise to manage the raw materials and camas roasting byproducts. Recording the technological performance characteristics of fire-cracked rocks, including composition, size, and durability, is a necessary step to interpret and compare fire-cracked rock features at archaeological sites.

Description

This is the publisher's final PDF. This article was originally published in Archaeology in Washington

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/10538

Citation Details

Wilson, D. and DeLyria, D. (1999). The Experimental Reduction of Rock in a Camas Oven: Towards an Understanding of the Behavioral Significance of Fire-cracked Rock. Archaeology in Washington, (7).