In our last update we summarized the Feature categories recovered from Test Unit five.  Upon the completion of this unit later this month, our focus will turn to opening a large contiguous block unit and initiating analysis of the primary artifact categories recovered from this remarkable unit.  

One category of evidence that will be prioritized with this analysis will be an extensive study of the bone pin tools recovered throughout the primary midden strata.  Between TU’s 3, 4, and 5 midden “A” (the sheet midden) has contained over a hundred bone pin tool fragments.

These tools have been found at sites across the southeast and there is little empirical research evaluating their function.  Many have assumed in the past that these pins are limited to serving as hair or clothing pins.  The assemblage at the Blueberry Site affords the opportunity to expand our knowledge of this significant tool type by investigate the function of these tools. Therefore, the study we will conduct will be classified as a “functional analysis” of the bone pin tool artifact category at the Blueberry site (this is a likely title for an upcoming talk or paper).

We will seek to answer two questions: 1) What are the characteristics of these tools and 2) How can we infer the function of these tools from the analysis of these tools?

Initially, we will define the variation in the bone pin tool assemblage by measuring length, diameter, weight, indications of burning, presence of usewear or alteration, and presence or absence of polish.   Next, we will be outsourcing a sample of these tools to a faunal specialist to have the species defined.  Outsourcing will also be used to analyze any residue observed on bone pin tools (I think they may have been used as eating implements).