As discussed, a previous study of the ground stone tool production-distribution systems at Huizui (Ford 2007) proposed that two different systems were present: the oolitic dolomite spades for export, and other tool types for local consumption. The identification was based largely on the relative number of tools present within the stone tool assemblage. However, using Torrence's (1986) measure of efficiency, the validity of these two systems will be tested by examining whether there is any evidence for cost-reducing strategies associated with particular tool types, especially the spade, during production. The production process includes all the steps required to make a stone tool, including the procurement of raw material. Based on Torrence's models, the hypothesis is that if the oolitic dolomite spades were being produced for export, there should be more evidence for cost-reducing strategies in their production than those tools produced for local consumption. This hypothesis is based on the assumption that tools intended for the wider regional economy will be more subject to economic variables than those used for local consumption.
Apart from providing important information as to how the Erlitou regional economy may have operated with regard to utilitarian goods, the current study also has important implications for future studies of production-distribution systems. To begin with, several different types of datasets will be used to explore the different stages of production-distribution systems. These datasets include geological information, manufacturing debris and finished tools. A technical aspect of this study is, therefore, exploring how different datasets may be used to elicit information on the procurement and production aspects of production-distribution systems. This is an important consideration as many prior studies have focused on exploring the relationship between the source of raw material and the distribution network of goods, thus mainly using geological information and finished tools. Production sites are rarely studied in connection with the analysis of distribution networks. Yet, different types of production can affect the structure of the distribution network (Torrence 1986). By analysing the differences in production through the use of manufacturing debris present at Huizui, the current study will add to our understanding of what information can be gained about production-distribution systems through the analysis of production sites. This study also provides an opportunity to test an economic approach towards the analysis of stone tool production-distribution systems and, more specifically, Torrence's measures of efficiency, to identify how applicable they are to archaeological cultures.
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Last updated: Wed Jul 1 2009