Trade dynamics in South Florida during the Archaic and Glades periods: The commerce of shark teeth

The purpose of the proposed investigation is a multi-faceted study providing the opportunity to (a) examine the transverse Glades waterways within Broward County, Florida as trade networks during precolumbian times, (b) critically examine the importance of shark teeth as a commodity in the prehistoric commerce of south Florida, and (c) explore the utility of geographic information systems (GIS) in the resolution of the archaeological questions noted above. As suggested by the above statement, this study will focus on the dynamics involved in the distribution of shark teeth throughout archaeological sites in Broward County noting whether there are noticeable changes in the frequency of their distribution over time, or whether it is relatively constant. The study will attempt to better understand the important role of the southeast Florida transverse Glades waterways in the coast to inland commerce of shark teeth.