Definition: The 'schlep effect' is the term used by archaeologists to refer to the postulated reason for patterned bone deposits at field butchery sites and home base sites for prehistoric peoples. The theory is that when hunting big game--buffalo, horses, reindeer, mammoth--the hunters conduct preliminary butchering in the field at the kill site. Thus, when archaeologists discover certain elements--such as foot bones and skulls--together at an archaeological site, but not rib bones or upper leg bones, they interpret that to mean that the smaller less useful bits were removed in the field and the meaty rest were 'schlepped' back to the home base.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
