Tiny Perforations in Minute Beads from the Prehistoric Southwest: An Experimental Case for Lithic Minute Microdrills

Abstract

Minute disc beads from the prehistoric American Southwest often exhibit perforations finer than 0.75 mm in diameter. Early archaeologists postulated that these tiny perforations were created with organic drills made from bone splinters or cactus needles. This article presents an experimental case for flaked-stone minute microdrills, which are refined replicas of more robust documented jewelry microdrills. With experimental lithic minute microdrills, I create perforations that match the size and appearance of tiny perforations observed in archaeological minute beads.