Gravel sources of knappable alibates silicified dolomite

Alibates silicified dolomite is one of the principal knappable lithic materials indigenous to the Southern High Plains. Prehistorically, this material was extensively quarried along the Canadian River in Potter County, Texas. Some of these quarries are preserved in what is now the Alibates National Monument. Archaeologists working in Oklahoma traditionally interpret artifacts of Alibates silicified dolomite as evidence for long distance trade. However, a survey of three transects across the Canadian's valley in western Oklahoma reveals the persistent, but minor, presence of Alibates clasts in gravel deposits. Thirty‐nine gravel exposures yielded 1365 clasts of the dolomite. The abundance, size, shape, and knappability of this material is comparable to most flakes and implements found on western Oklahoma archaeological sites, especially those of prehistoric and protohistoric Plains Villagers. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.