Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (580 page)

 
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A trailing and climbing plant (Cucurbita pepo) with large lobed leaves and tendrils that produces a large rounded yellow-coloured fruit with a thick rind and edible flesh. Native to Southern Mexico and Guatemala. Domesticated by
c.
8000 bc. Introduced into Europe in the 16th century
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In flintworking a punch is generally a wooden or bone rod that directs the force applied to the top of the punch with a hammer to the desired point on the flint core in a very controlled way. In metalworking various types of punch are used. In cold working punches are mainly used to mark metal either in setting out designs or for the creation of decoration. In hot working a punch is generally a metal tool, round in cross-section and longitudinally tapered, which is used to make or enlarge holes in heated bars or sheets during forging.

 
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A theory of social change which focuses on periods of continuity and relative stability (equilibrium) broken by phases of rapid change which upset the equilibrium. Thus such change need not be progressive or for the better in a purely developmental sense.

 
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A type of decorative scheme, usually on ceramics, created by using a pointed implement to create small pits or holes in the surface.

 
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Whale-hunting descendants of the Old Bering Sea Tradition of the Bering Strait area of North America flourishing in the period
c.
ad 500–1300.

 
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A horizontal beam running along the length of a roof to support the rafters or roof-boards. The purlin is supported at the ends by gables and at various points along its length by crucks or frames.