Ron,

I really was limiting my question to the use of the term "band saw" 
as resulting from the use of mechanically powered rather than 
hand-powered saws.

It is my general opinion that it might be quite difficult (at least 
in some cases) to determine the difference between the skilled use of 
a relatively modern bone saw (which mimics a hack saw) and the use of 
a mechanized band saw ...  And I guess that was the root of my 
question, i.e., when do we start thinking about bandsawing a "real" 
technology, and hence, start to use it in descriptive contexts.

Now, as to the use of the ax/cleaver vs. saw-cut butchering 
techniques ... I think that there is clearly an inherent difference, 
at least in terms of time-line; probably also in terms of an any 
other number of varibles, including ethnicity.  Generally, in both 
Michigan and here in Illinois, if a site predate's 1840, there's 
going to be a lot of ax/cleaver butchering evidence, and after that 
date an increasing amount of sawn bone.  Just a general way to sort 
data chrononologically, particularly in terms of surface collections, 
initial samples, etc.

However, I do not think that the presence of saw-cut meat on a 
farmstead should assume the use of "store bought" butchered meat, 
i,e., the presence of saw-cut beef or pork on a pre-1840 site should 
not necessarily be interpreted as proof of off-site purchase.  For 
the prehistoric folk we routinely throw around the the use of 
"expedient" tools, and I am sure that the concept was certainly 
implemented by our own ancestors ... You use whatever works ... If a 
saw is handy when you are cutting up a carcass, and it works, you use 
it, if an axe works better, you use it ...

Mark

-- 

Mark C. Branstner, RPA
Historic Archaeologist

Illinois Transportation
Archaeological Research Program
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
209 Nuclear Physics Lab, MC-571
23 East Stadium Drive
Champaign, IL 61820

Phone: 217.244.0892
Fax: 217.244.7458
Cell: 517.927.4556
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