Analysis of the geographic sources of native copper used by the Ohio Hopewell

What is it about?

We identify the probable geological and geographic source locations for dozens of Hopewell artifacts to examine interaction patterns and the acquisition of cultural value for copper artifacts. A previous model proposes that copper is valuable because of an arduous journey to a remote island in Lake Superior. Our findings show that this model does not predict the sources used by Hopewell peoples. A new model of acquisition and value is needed.

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Why is it important?

We empirically test a model of how copper becomes valuable in Hopewell society and find the tested model does not accord with the empirical evidence.