Obsidian studies in California archaeology

This paper traces and reviews the conduct of obsidian studies in California, with emphasis on the results of provenance studies and hydration dating over the past few decades. Review of substantive results reveals temporal and spatial change in the distribution of certain obsidians in different regions within the geopolitical boundaries of the state, as well as evidence for variation in source-use commensurate with different socio-ceremonial contexts in prehistory. Perspectives and lessons on obsidian use, derived from California studies, can be extended more generally to obsidian studies elsewhere in the world.