Reassessing the role of Mount Edziza obsidian in northwestern North America

Mount Edziza is a major source of obsidian in the northwest of British Columbia, Canada. Its high quality of material, number of flows and range of use rival other large obsidian sources in North America. Previous research documented its use over an area of 1000 km2 and earliest use over 10,000 years ago. Original XRF analysis indicated that only three out of its ten flows were used by pre-contact populations. This research confirms earlier work, but also demonstrates the use of other flows in the Mount Edziza volcanic complex and preferential exchange in and between Athapaskan speaking peoples surrounding the source and movement of material from only one flow to coastal areas.