Definition: The Oshara tradition is the name given to an Archaic culture of the American southwest, about 6000 BC-AD 200. Named by Cynthia Irwin-Williams, the period is considered the transition point between Paleoindian and Archaic in the Rio Grande Basin, and is marked by a shift in lithic material use to a range of sources that are primarily black in color. Their predecessors, the Paleoindians in the Rio Grande, made stone tools out of a veritable rainbow of colors.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
