Narragansett Basin Argillite: Lithology,Chronology,and Prehistoric Tool Manufacture

Abstract

This article examines the use of one low-grade raw material, Narragansett Basin argillite, by prehistoric peoples in southeastern New England. Petrographic sections analyzed by Dr. Dan Murray (Geologist, University of Rhode Island) have provided a detailed account of the lithology of this material. Rock formation processes and lithic sources are also discussed. Artifact analysis has provided data pertaining to the prehistoric periods when Narragansett Basin argillite was most often used by prehistoric populations in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. An examination of tool manufacturing techniques has brought to light striking similarities between argillite and quartz Small Stemmed points further supporting the hypothesis of an in situ development of the Small Stemmed Point tradition in New England.

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