Jupiter Inlet I (8PB34): A test case in the use of ceramic frequencies and discriminant analysis in determining cultural affinity

Many archaeological culture area models have been proposed for southern Florida. The most important reason for the number of alternative models may be a lack of precise means to evaluate them in relation to individual archaeological sites. This thesis addresses these problems using Jupiter Inlet I (8PB34) as an example. The relative frequencies of ceramic types from this site are compared to other sites with generally accepted cultural affiliations. The multivariate statistical technique known as discriminant analysis is used to directly compare comparable components from each site. This analysis reveals that archaeological areas in southern Florida can be determined fairly well based on ceramic data alone. A more objective archaeological area model is proposed for southern Florida. In this model, Jupiter Inlet I is shown to be part of several different archaeological areas over time.