Abstract Caches of argillite bifaces, which are often referred to as petalas blades, have been discovered across much of New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and other Middle Atlantic states. Some of these discoveries are recent; however, many significant finds were made in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Some of the these caches have been previously analyzed; however, many have not. This study employs Geographic Information Systems and detailed analysis of these blades to better...

Introduction [excerpts] This thesis is a historical study of Charles Rau, a curator of archaeology at the National Museum of Natural History, and his archaeological excavation of the Keyport shell heaps. The purpose of this thesis is to examine Rau's role in the history of American archaeology and examine his excavations at the shell heaps in their historical contenxt. While Rau was widely known during his life, it appears that the perceived importance of his work has diminished over the years among historians...

Introduction Oysters have been an important resource for humans for thousands of years. They provided easy access to protein with little effort required to harvest, and their shells could be used as tools and as a temper in the manufacture of ceramics. The abundance of oysters made them a dietary staple for the people living along the Chesapeake Bay, and for the Europeans who first settled here. The wealth of shell fish led to overharvesting and the depletion of oysters in modern times. It is because...