Cherokee Mountain Rock Shelter

Abstract

Cherokee Mountain Rock Shelter is south of Denver, in Douglas County, Colorado, and overlooks Plum Creek near the small town of Sedalia. The shelter was formed in a sandstone conglomerate in an area of high bluffs and gently rolling hills. Three intermixed levels were excavated, with artifacts from each dating from the Late Prehistoric Period. A few sherds, suggestive of a Shoshonean occupation, were in the top two levels.     

A Petrographic Analysis Of Late Woodland Ceramics From The Sperry Site,Jackson County,Missouri

Abstract

A sample of 11 sherds from the Late Woodland component of the Sperry Site in Jackson County, Missouri was selected for petrographic analysis. The findings indicate that sherds as well as granite particles, and possibly limestone and sand served as tempering agents. It is suggested that prehistoric potters may have been utilizing till clays (available locally) which contain naturally occurring granitic particles and further tempering the clay with sherds, limestone, or sand.     

Projectile Points From Preceramic Occupations Near Fort Thompson,South Dakota: A Preliminary Report*

Abstract

The article describes in detail and illustrates 58 projectile points excavated from five sites within a six mile radius near the Big Bend of the Missouri River.Geological interpretations, as well as typological relationships to previously reported points outside of the region, indicate a local human prehistory of at least 8, 000 years.     

The Black Partizan Site (39Lm218), Big Bend Reservoir: South Dakota: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

The Black partizan Site, a large fortified village situated in the constricted neck of the Big Bend of the Missouri River, Lymar County, South Dakota, was excavated by field parties of the Missouri Basin Project, Smithsonian Institution, during the field seasons of 1957 and 1958.

In total, 15 structures or areas designated as features were investigated. These included 3 midden areas, concentrations of cache pits, sectional cuts through the defensive ditch, and a bastion strong point. Four large circular houses were investigated, 2 in an area just outside of the fortified perimeter and 2 within the village proper. An additional house, probably square, and another of indeterminate outline were also excavated from the latter area.

The artifact collection is large and varied, but to date, only the ceramic sample has been examined in detail. Slightly less than 17,000 sherds were excavated, of which 2400 were rim sections- the latter have been tentatively classified as follows: Russel Ware (plain, diagonal, horizontal incising), Campbell Creek Ware, Talking Crow Ware, Arzberger, and other collared rims. On the basis of ceramics and architectural remains, components related to both the Campbell Creek and Fort Thompson Foci are surely present. A further occupation, poorly defined as yet, seems to equate to Talking Crow C.     

The Scoggin Site: a Study in Mckean Typology

Abstract

The Scoggin Site, an Early Middle Period Bison kill in south-central Wyoming, yielded two distinct stylized projectile point varieties from the one bone layer present. This single component affords optimum opportunity to study the two varieties of points in one context. The technology for the projectile point assemblage is described, and literature concerning the deep side-notched Early Middle Period or Archaic age points from the Northwestern Plains and the northern Great Basin is discussed.

In order to discover if the deep side-notched projectile points from Scoggin (reminiscent of much later projectile point types) were indeed part of the McKean classification, their dimensions were compared to those of the indented base McKean lanceolate projectile points from the same site. The measurements overlap or can be otherwise explained for both lanceolate and side-notched forms. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to demonstrate that the two types of points are quite homogeneous.

The question as to why the points differ stylistically has several possible answers. For example, the two types may represent interacting but identifiable ethnic groups, or the numerical superiority of the side-notched point may reflect hafting superiority. At any rate, the deep side-notched point is an integral part of the Early Middle Period and can be classified as McKean.     

Rummells-Maske: A Clovis Find-Spot in Iowa

Abstract

The first controlled excavation of a Clovis site in Iowa revealed a concentration of complete and fragmentary Clovis Fluted projectile points. The site, in eastern Iowa, is interpreted as a projectile point cache destroyed by agricultural implements. Measurements and photographs are provided to facilitate the comparison of the collection with assemblages from other states.     

A Possible Paleo-Indian and Archaic Site in the Swan Valley,Manitoba

Abstract

An archaeological site uncovered in the Swan Valley of Manitoba during road construction yie1ded a small group of artifacts including a Paleo-Indian projectile point and side-notched Archaic points. The site is significant as it lies in a corridor which probably served as a vital migration route between the Northern Plains and the diminishing lakes within the Lake Agassiz Basin.     

Sitio Creston (La 4939), a Stone Enclosure Site Near Las Vegas,New Mexico

Abstract

Recent work by the Museum of New Mexico resulted in the excavation of eight stone enclosures similar to those investigated by E. B. Renaud (1942), R. G. Campbell (1969), and others in southeastern Colorado and northeastern New Mexico. The site, tentatively dated within the span A.D. 1000-1150, is assigned to the Early Panhandle period defined by Campbell (1969). There is a general likeness of the ceramics to Taos Plain and Taos Incised. Projectile points consist almost entirely of a corner-notched form called Scallorn Points elsewhere. From all indications, the occupation, probably by an estimated 40 to 45 individuals, was short, with staggered abandonment. The evidence, though not conclusive, points to a hunting and gathering economy with the site serving as a base camp for a number of diversified activities. Detailed examination of the lithic remains resulted in the postulation of a projectile point production sequence which, at least in part, casts doubt on the validity of Fresno, Young and similar points as projectile points.     

The Gore Pit Site: An Archaic Occupation in Southwestern Oklahoma and a Review Of the Archaic Stage in the Southern Plains

Abstract

The Gore Pit site (34CM131), which is within the city limits of Lawton, Comanche County, Oklahoma, has been revealing evidence of Archaic occupation through excavation and surface collection since 1963. The site is contained in the bottom of a large borrow pit which was sera ped to a depth of 15 to 20 feet by he Highway Department.The pit is on the active flood plain of East Cache Creek and borders the creek a few feet to the east. The artifacts recovered by surface collection include projectile points, scrapers, scraper planes, Clear Fork gouges, andgrinding stones and basins. Three burned rock middens were excavated, one of which yielded radiocarbon dates, 6030 + 300 B.P. (Bastian 1964) and 6145+ 130 B.P. (GX1558). In the spring of 1968, a partially preserved, semiflexed human burial was discovered in the pit. There were no associated artifacts. A radiocarbon date obtained from the apatite fraction of the bone resulted in a determination of 7100+350 B.P. (GX2009). The earliest Archaic on the Southern Plains is presently dated around 6000 B.P. However, there is a paucity of dated and documented sites for the preceding 2000 years. Archaic subsistence patterns occur at least 2000 years earlier in areas to the west and east. The origin and age of the earliest Archaic in the Southern Plains remains undetermined. The Archaic must ultimately be identified on the basis of subsistence patterns and not on the basis of projectile point styles.     

Three Small Points: A Cody Complex Problem

Abstract

Three small points which resemble larger Cody Complex projectile points are related to this Complex on the basis of technological and shape attributes. It is concluded that several factors underlie occurrence of tiny Cody points. Resharpening of larger points accounts for one pattern. In addition, diminutive points were produced using two alternative sets of technological procedures. It is suggested that these points were not used in subsistence activities and may reflect ceremonial or symbolic activities practiced by late Paleo-Indian bison hunters.     

Machine Assisted Encoding Of Artifact Characteristics

Abstract

A computer encoding device known as a RAND Tablet can be applied in archeological researchto read off of an artifact, such as a flint projectile point, certain points of data that when used by a computer program to provide measurements from the artifact, can provide a basis for classification.     

An Alternative View of Some Southern Plains Archaic Stage Characteristics

Abstract

It is argued that Hammatt’s 1976 review of the Southern Plains Archaic Stage is in part not well reasoned or well supported. His contention that projectile point styles are not reliable as indicators of Archaic sites, while Clear Fork gouges are, is unsupportable and logically inconsistent based on the data he used. Other attributes used by Hammatt to define Archaic components are also discussed. Hammatt views the study of subsistence patterns (adaptation) rather than projectile points, as a more meaningful way to identify Archaic sites. This is a welcome argument and goal     

Decorative Motifs On Great Oasis Pottery

Abstract

Decorative design motifs on Great Oasis Incised rim sherds from the Great Oasis site in Minnesota are illustrated and described. The usefulness of using decorative modes in ceramic comparisons with pottery of the Over focus is suggested.     

Aboriginal Pottery From Site Fhna-3, The François Le Blanc Trading Post

Abstract

Aboriginal pottery excavated at a pedlar’s post, dated 1768-1774, is described and named the François Variety of the fabric-impressed type of Wascana Ware. The diagnostic feature of François sherds is the use of European cloth for impressing the vessel surfaces. It is suggested that the François Variety can be a hori-·zon marker for the early historic period in Saskatchewan.     

Large Springs And Early American Indians

Abstract

Several major collections of early lanceolate projectile points have been made on the Edwards Plateau and along the Balcones Fault. Each of these sites is located beside a spring emerging from a “Hill Country” aquifer. One of these is currently being excavated. The relationship is examined along with the concept of Paleo-Indian typology.     

Origin of the Mckean Complex:Evidence from Timberline

Abstract

The Fourth of July valley site (5BL 120), a singlecomponent hunting camp at timberline in the Colorado Front Range, was occupied approximately 6000 radiocarbon years ago. Projectile points from the occupation area are typologically intermediate between James Allen and McKean Lanceolate points, and between Pryor Stemmed and Duncan points. The age and timberline location of the site, together with the transitional nature of the projectile points, support Husted’s (1968) hypothesis that the McKean complex developed from Plano progenitors in high-mountain Altithermal refuge areas.     

Perry Ranch:A Plainview Bison Kill On the Southern Plains

Abstract

Salvage excavations at the Perry Ranch site in southwestern Oklahoma uncovered the association of Plainview projectile points with an extinct subspecies of bison. A radiocarbon date of 7030 ± 190 B.P. has been obtained from bison bone at the site. However, stratigraphic disturbances limit inferences about the cultural activities at the site.     

A Functional Analysis of “Projectile Points” from Yellowjacket,Colorado

Abstract

A collection of 40 so-called projectile points from three Anasazi sites near Yellowjacket, Colorado was examined microscopically to determine (1) if evidence of non-projectile utilization could be detected; and (2) if patterns of such utilization wear correlated in any way with morphological attributes of the artifacts. Edge wear believed attributable to functions other than tipping projectiles was observed on 52.5 per cent; however, little association was noted between morphology and function as interpreted through wear patterns. The range of edge damage patterns resulting from use was less than that described in the literature. In particular, edge wear on specimens of quartzite (50 per cent of the collection) displayed little variety, making functional interpretation difficult.     

A Survey Of Paleo-Indian Sites Along the Middle Rio Grande Drainage

Abstract

Sandia Cave is so important to the Paleo-Indian picture that it dominates the “classic” hunting site complex in the middle Rio Grande. As a result there is a tendency to minimize the considerable variety of other “classic” hunting points that have been found in the region, expecially in the Estancia Valley where such pluvial lakes as Lake Estancia and the Galisteo Basin once existed.

In addition 3 sites in the Rio Grande valley exhibit a different cultural horizon associated with the period of extinct fauna. This complex is characterized by lack of projectile points, a dearth of milling stones, and the dominance of crude scrapers, and choppers.     

Micro-Analysis of Wear-Patterns on Projectile Points and Knives from the Jurgens Site,Kersey, Colorado

Abstract

Based on a sample of 76 artifacts of the Paleo-Indian Tradition from the Jurgens Site, Kersey, Colorado, the problem of functional diversity within a single morphological category of Plano (Jennings 1955) projectile points and/or knives is considered in terms of formal and functional analysis. Intensive mascroscopic and microscopic analysis of the artifacts is the basis for investigation. It is concluded that microscopic analysis of wear-patterns provides the means for more realistic evaluation of artifact function, which in turn enhances our understanding of morphological and functional changes through time. Analysis also revealed that within this collection the functional parameters can be defined in terms of breakage series and tool length. It is concluded that the results of this study have important implications for the interpretation of Paleo-Indian lithic technology.