The intent of this research is to identify through various statistical analyses any features, attributes, or characteristics of Madison points from Albee Phase context that could be used to distinguish them from Madison points made and used by other contemporaneous prehistoric groups. Descriptive statistics for an assemblage of Albee points will be generated to establish baseline data that theoretically characterizes a modal behavior for Albee Phase flint knappers. The Albee Phase data will be combined with comparable data for Yankeetown points and Angel Phase points. This combined data set will constitute the research universe, which will be subjected to discriminant function analysis. Discriminant function analysis is envisioned as a tool to: 1) Identify variables or a combination of variables that are unique to Albee Phase triangular points, 2) Produce a linear function to define an Albee Phase Madison point, and 3) Test that function by successfully allocating the points in the research universe to their appropriate, archaeologically defined cultural group. / Department of Anthropology

The proposed thesis titled “Core and Periphery in the Middle Woodland Midwest: An Analysis of the Earthworks of East Central Indiana and South-Central Ohio” will examine Middle Woodland earthwork sites in South Central Ohio and East Central Indiana. Expanding upon current ideas about core and periphery currently used by many prehistoric archaeologists this thesis hopes to change the way archaeologists define core and periphery by putting core and periphery into the proper context of a mini-system. Using the original works of Wallerstein and his vaguely defined concept of a mini-system and further defining this concept through examination of the notion of a gift based economy this thesis hopes to discern not only core and periphery areas in the Middle Woodland Midwest, but also to discern if one mini-system or multiple mini-systems existed in the Middle Woodland Midwest. Through analysis of quantitative data gathered from the Scioto, Licking, Upper White, and Big Blue River valleys the thesis will demonstrate new methodologies for establishing the extant of mini-systems. Statistical analysis to be used includes linear regression testing and the analysis of power law distributions. These tests, coupled with analysis of the data sets, using a comparative framework, are hoped to provide deeper analysis of core and periphery relationships / The prehistoric eastern woodlands, Middle Woodland archaeology and core/periphery -- Core and periphery in non-capitalist societies -- Maps, mounds and measurements -- Results from maps, mounds and measurements -- Core and periphery, Middle Woodland mini-systems and the Midwest : south central Ohio and east central Indiana discerned. / Department of Anthropology

Access to abstract permanently restricted to Ball State community only / Theoretical background -- Environmental setting -- Prehistory within the Upper Wabash River Valley -- Data sets -- Results -- Discussion and conclusion. / Access to thesis permanently restricted to Ball State community only / Department of Anthropology

Archaeological test excavations were conducted at 12Vi194 (Northwood Site) in a portion of the site where residential development is planned or has taken place. Thirty four 2x2 m units were excavated to the base of midden deposits, exposing eight features. Six of these features proved to be of aboriginal origin, with their terminal function as refuse pits. Materials recovered from the site span some 4000 years, from the Late Archaic period through the Late Woodland period. The majority of materials, as well as all aboriginal features, date to the late Middle Woodland Allison-LaMotte culture (AD 100-600), and include ten Lowe Flared base projectile points, 1700+ pieces of lithic debris, 4500 ceramic sherds, a vast quantity of floral and faunal debris, and the remains of one badly deteriorated human interment (pre-natal infant).The investigations at this site were carried out to assess the significance of the deposits. Based on the quantity of artifacts, size and density of pit features and well defined midden deposits, this site is considered significant and therefore eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places (see Appendix). Due to developers plans on this and adjacent sites, a management plan outlining future impacts and lternatives is also provided. / Department of Anthropology

This study tested two hypotheses related to Woodland settlement trends and ritual development in East Central Indiana through the example of Mounds State Park in Anderson, Indiana. The first hypothesis was that earthwork enclosure complexes, such as at Anderson, were utilized as central places within a defined territory for the redistribution of resources. The second hypothesis was that a link existed between increasing social stratification in a mixed foraging and horticultural economy and a shift in the function of earthwork complexes resultant from a change in subsistence. It was determined that no conclusions could be made about the validity of these hypotheses due to incomplete data. Suggestions for obtaining relevant data and a theoretical model of earthwork function based on available data are presented. / Department of Anthropology