Archaeologists recovered this Chinese teacup from Downtown San Diego. The site housed a working class population during the late Victorian period (c.1880-1915). While they worked and lived in traditional American fashion, each immigrant group maintained ties to their own community.…

A biface is any stone tool worked on both sides. However, archaeologists commonly used the term to describe tools that were made to used as knives or spear points. They would have been attached to wood or bone handles and…

Hammerstones were used to make other stone tools. They required little modification and were chosen for hardness and size. After use, hammerstones develop whitish areas called stone bruising. This happens when the other minerals in the stone are crushed. Knapping…

During the process of making stone tools, knappers produce many waste flakes. These tiny flakes and stone shatter are called debitage. By studying debitage archaeologists can gain a better understanding of how tools were made and what materials were preferred.…