Natural History Institute: Prehistoric Obsidian Exchange in Central Arizona at Yavapai College OLLI

Join the Natural History Institute and OLLI for a talk by archaeologist Michael Kellett on his research on obsidian trade routes among prehistoric peoples in West-Central Arizona. In this presentation, local archaeologist Michael Kellett, M.A., will present his research on prehistoric obsidian acquisition in the Northern and Southern Sinagua, Prescott, and Cohonina culture areas. Kellett will share the plausible foraging and exchange routes he has mapped through analyzing obsidian artifacts at 608 prehistoric sites in west-central Arizona using a portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. He will explain how he has inferred these routes based on the spatial distribution of obsidian artifacts and least-cost path modeling that integrates slope, proximity to water, and vegetation community type. This presentation will be held at Yavapai College Prescott Campus located at 1100 E Sheldon St Prescott, AZ 86301.