Folsom Lithic Procurement, Tool Use, and Replacement at the Lake Theo Site, Texas

Folsom technological organization is examined from the perspective of the Lake Theo site (41 B/70). Lake Theo is a stratified, multi-component site located on the southern Plains. Lake Theo is unique in that it is the only Folsom bison kill on the southern Plains located in proximity to a high-quality chert source (Tecovas jasper). Analysis of the Folsom lithic assemblage recovered from the site focuses on defining patterns of raw material procurement, tool use, and manufacture. The results suggest lithic stores of transported chert were depleted and points and tools replaced over a number of retooling events. At the site, local raw materials were used expediently to aid in the processing of the kill and in the production of tools for future use. Tools transported to the site were made primarily of Edwards and Alibates chert. The assemblages of Edwards and Alibates exhibit different degrees of depletion and suggesta visit to Edwards quarries was made subsequent to a visit to Alibates quarries. It is postulated that Folsom groups may have hunted annually on the southern High Plains and traveled south and east toward the Edwards Plateau during the winter months.