Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 January 2017
It has become almost an archaeological maxim that each new culture should be followed up with some dispersal studies. Most of these take the form of tabulations of typical cultural items that may be recognized out of context. If these are sufficiently distinctive, dispersion of the particular traits or characteristics may be traced with fair facility. Inherent in this supposition are some outstanding difficulties, nowhere better illustrated than in the case of the Folsom point. After the discovery of the Folsom site at Folsom, New Mexico, and the relatively quick realization that the Folsom point was distinctive and had a characteristic outline and peculiarities of chipping which could be recognized out of context, a fervent search was initiated to discover the dispersal of this element.
1 Hibben, Frank C., “Evidences of Early Occupation in Sandia Cave, New Mexico and Other Sites in the Sandia-Manzano Region,” Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections. Vol. 99, Paper 23, Oct. 15, 1941 Google Scholar.