The presence of “exotic” lithic material in an assemblage serves as a measure of the mobility of a settlement system. Its validity depends on the accurate identification of stone types and their source location. Much important research has focused on these topics, but often ignored are mechanisms of natural stone transport. It is generally assumed that “exotic” stone material at a site was procured by the site's inhabitants at the outcrop source. This assumption is particularly unwarranted in the glaciated eastern United States, where stone is transported great distances in cobble form by geological processes. This action may be a major source of “exotic” lithic material in site localities. Analysis of debitage and the diversity of lithic material in an assemblage aids in recognizing the effects of natural stone transport. Such analyses are necessary in interpreting the degree of settlement mobility among eastern Paleo-indian groups.
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