Analysis of site structure and post-depositional disturbance at two Early Holocene
components, Richard Beene site (41BX831), Bexar County, Texas
James Bryan Mason
Chair: Thoms
August 2003
Two deeply buried, well-stratified, and well-dated components dating to the Early
Holocene period were excavated at the Richard Beene site (41BX831) in Bexar County,
Texas. This thesis utilizes both qualitative (interpretation of maps) and quantitative
(unconstrained clustering) spatial analysis techniques to identify site structure and assess
post-depositional disturbance by analyzing patterns among artifact categories, selected
artifacts, and features from these components. Results of spatial analysis are compared to
expectations of the archaeological record based on previous research. Each component
revealed a distinct pattern. The Lower Medina component (ca. 6900 B.P.) is well
preserved and spatial analysis showed clear distinctions between domestic and peripheral
zones. The Upper Perez component (8800 B.P.) is a fluvial lag deposit of displaced
artifacts and fire-cracked rock features. Results of spatial analysis confirmed that most, if
not all, of this component is disturbed, revealing no site structure.