Abstract
While Olivella beads are a common component of archaeological sites in California, and were widely traded in prehistory , no method has been developed to trace individual beads to a point of origin. This study examines the potential of stable carbon and oxygen isotopes to source Olivella beads from the Pacific coast . The study shows that 1) the oxygen isotopic composition of modern Olivella biplicata shells faithfully varies with ambient sea surface temperature and local upwelling, lending themselves to sourcing studies; 2) oxygen isotope ratios in modern shells can be used to identify shells that grow north versus south of Point Conception, California; and 3) shell carbon isotope ratios may further subdivide these two regions into more spatially restricted source zones. Analyses on a small sample of 10 beads found at various archaeological sites within the interior of California suggest that all were made in southern California.
Original language | American English |
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Journal | Journal of Archaeological Science |
Volume | 32 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1 2005 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Stable isotopes
- California
- Oregon
- Olivella
- Provenance analysis
- Prehistoric beads
Disciplines
- Earth Sciences