Social learning and technological evolution during the Clovis colonization of the New World

Area of Science:

• Archaeology
• Paleolithic studies
• Hunter-gatherer technology

Background:

• Debate on technological variation in Pleistocene colonizing hunter-gatherers.
• Clovis technology (13,350–12,500 BP) is the earliest widespread North American hunter-gatherer remains.
• Observed regional shape differences in Clovis projectile points despite consistent production techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the causes of shape variation in Clovis projectile points.
• Differentiate between stochastic mechanisms (drift) and environmental adaptation.
• Quantify the role of social learning in technological diversification.

Main Methods:

• Statistical analysis of Clovis point flake-scar patterns.
• Geometric morphometrics applied to intraregional samples.
• Analysis designed to exclude a priori environmental adaptation.

Main Results:

• Confirmed uniform production techniques across Clovis samples.
• Identified significant shape differences in Clovis points from distinct stone outcrops.
• Results indicate two tiers of social learning: conformist transmission for production and drift for shape.

Conclusions:

• Clovis foragers utilized distinct social learning strategies for tool production and shape.
• Drift, influenced by interaction at stone outcrop hubs, significantly shaped Clovis point morphology.
• Suggests faster technological diversification in colonizing populations than previously understood.