Late Paleo-Indian Activity At The Lubbock Lake Site

Abstract

Excavations at Lubbock Lake (41 LU1), Southern High Plains of Texas, revealed the presence of a complex, late Paleo-Indian feature containing a camping area and bison (Bison antiquus) kill/butchering locale. The feature is found within a cienega or marsh deposit and dates from 8300 to 8600 years. At least two camping episodes are indicated, separated by the kill/butchering event. Camp debris consists of a projectile point midsection, unifacial and bifacial tools, and flakes. Faunal debris includes remains of butchered pronghorn antelope, rabbits, ducks, grouse, and turtles. The kill/butchering locale contains remains of four bison and three fetuses, a bone expediency tool, a reworked projectile point base, unifacial butchering tools, and flakes. Projectile points, other lithic tools, and age of the feature indicate a Firstview occupation. From faunal and geologic data, site environs are reconstructed as a marshlands rimmed by a narrow border of wet meadows grading into a mixed grass prairie. Although several late Paleo-Indian kill/butchering locales are known on the Southern High Plains, this feature is the first late Paleo-Indian camp.     

The Simonsen Site: Report For the Summer Of 1959

Abstract

Isolated surface finds of probable Archaic and Paleo-Indian sites have been made in western Iowa for the past decade. Recently 3 sites have been found in this area, along tributaries of the Missouri River, containing cultural material buried in sediments 13-17 feet below the modern surface. One of these sites, the Simonsen, exposed on a loop of the Little Sioux River, is described.

Bison bones were eroding below the top of an alluvial terrace. This profile is divided into 8 stratigraphic zones, Zones 1 and 2, were 9 feet thick and composed of sterile loam, sand and gravels. Zone 3, contained several disintegrated bison bones, fine ash, burned earth, a fire pit with charred log fragments and a hearth containing a large canid but no artifacts. Zone 4, 1-2 feet thick was composed of sterile interbedded gravels and sand. Zone 5, from a few inches to 2 feet thick contained small flecks of charcoal, and a fragment of a projectile point. Zone 6 was a very stilty sand interbedded with sand silts. Zone 7, 2-3 feet thick was the most profilic source of cultural material but considering the large area exposed, produced few artifacts. These were knives, flakes, 2 anvil stones and 3 points. Zone 8, a gravelly deposit of unknown thickness, underlay the cultural deposits.

A total of 7 bison skulls or partial skulls were collected in addition to abundant remains of other parts of the skeletons. These remains were tentatively assigned to the extinct specie, Bison occidentalis. Measurements of the metapoidals of these specimens agreed in massiveness with those from Scottsbluff and were smaller than specimen from the Brewster and Lipscomb sites which contained bison antiquus and Folsom artifacts.

The 1959 collection from the Simonsen site supports earlier observations of affiliations with the Logan Creek Site of Nebraska and argues for assignment within the late Paleo-Indian to early Archaic horizon.     

The Strohacker Site: A Review of Pre-Archaic Manifestations in Texas

Abstract

Investigations at the Strohacker site in central Texas produced a number of late Paleo-Indian and pre-Archaic artifacts. These are described and the site is compared to several other Texas sites from which similar artifacts were recovered in recent years. On the basis of present evidence, it is proposed that the latter part of the Paleo-Indian period ended in parts of Texas around 6000 B.C. and was followed by a transitional preArchaic phase which extended throughout the Altithermal. This phase was succeeded by a developed Archaic tradition about 3500 B.C.     

A Paleo-Indian Point From Henry County,Missouri

Abstract

A Paleo-Indian point, probably assignable to the Plano Tradition, was recently collected in Henry County, Missouri. Although unfluted, it otherwise compares favorably both morphologically and technologically with several published samples of PaleoIndian points. The upland location also compares . favorably with known Paleo-Indian site locations; however, geomorphic processes may have biased recording of Paleo-Indian sites.     

The Pelland and Moe Site Blades: Paleo-Indian Culture History in the Upper Midwest

Abstract

Analysis of artifacts recovered from the Moe site located in northwestern North Dakota reveals the presence of 15 blades and three blade-like flakes, the majority of which are made of Knife River Flint and have been modified by retouch flaking. A comparison of the Moe specimens to those from the Pelland site in northern Minnesota, the only other site from the study area which contains blades of Paleo-Indian age, indicates that the Moe specimens are smaller in all dimensions. The Pelland specimens are made of Knife River Flint and have been modified by retouch flaking. Examination of the literature on Paleo-Indian sites from the Plains region indicates that blade production is more common in Plano cultures particularly Agate Basin and Plainview-Goshen than in earlier Clovis or Folsom cultures or later Cody cultures. It is suggested that the Pelland and Moe site blades are Plano in age and most likely Agate Basin or Plainview-Goshen in cultural affiliation. A model provided by Leo Pettipas (1976) is used to suggest an eastward movement of Plains Plano cultures using Knife River Flint across southern Manitoba, eastern North Dakota, and into western and northern Minnesota following the recession of Glacial Lake Agassiz.     

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.     

A Progress Report on a Pre-Ceramic Site at Rattlesnake Draw Eastern New Mexico

Abstract

The Rattlesnake Draw site has produced both Paleo-Indian and Archaic artifacts in a concentrated area centering about a presently dry lake basin. In addition to the artifacts discovered, the investigators have found evidence of the construction of artificial wells during the archaic period. These wells are similar to those earlier discovered at Blackwater Draw, Locality One.     

DhLB-1: Early Period Occupation Near Glacial Lake Agassiz,Southeast Manitoba

Abstract

Dhlb-1 is a Paleo-Indian site situated just north of the International Boundary in southeastern Manitoba. It was excavated in 1972, and found to be an area of tool manufacturing. It was dated by association with a gravel lens, deposited shortly after the formation of the Campbell strandline, 9,500 to 10,000 years B.P. The site is of significance because it demonstrates early period migration into southeastern Manitoba immediately after Lake Agassiz withdrawal.     

Early Period Marginal Cultural Groups in Northern Wyoming

Abstract

The Big Horn Mountains and immediately adjacent areas of northern Wyoming yield considerable evidence of cultural groups different from but contemporaneous with many late Plano groups. The hypothesis presented here is that this may have been an area where these marginal cultures developed due to a combination of geographical location and diverse environment.     

Burned Rock Midden Sites on the Southwestern Edge of the Edwards Plateau,Texas

Abstract

Data from two groups of burned rock midden sites are presented. Occupation of the sites seems to have been heaviest during Archaic times, with some Late Prehistoric and possible Paleo-Indian components also recognized. A burial is described from one site. Problems pertaining to burned rock midden sites are briefly discussed.     

On The Significance of Additional Radiocarbon Dates from Bonfire Shelter,Texas

Abstract

Two hitherto unreported dates from charcoal samples associated with remains attributed to a Paleo-Indian bison kill at this site are provided. These dates further substantiate a minimal antiquity of ca. 10,000 years for the deposit and, by inference, give evidence of the use of a “bison jump” technique of hunting at this early time period. Definitional problems, differing views on the antiquity, basic comparability of cited examples, and temporal continuity of this mode of mass killing are briefly discussed. Some suggestions are made as to the cultural implications made probable by acceptance of an early date for this practice.     

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.     

A Plainview Kill/Butchering Locale On The Llano Est Acado-The Lubbock Lake Site

Abstract

The Lubbock Lake site is a multi-component, stratified locality on the Llano Estacada (Southern High Plains). Part of a Plainview (Paleo-Indian) period bison kill/butchering locale is being excavated. Cultural designation is based on recovered projectile points, stratigraphic position, and radiocarbon dates. Tool assemblage consists of lithic and bone expediency tool kits. Geological, faunal, and paleoenvironmental settings create an interpretative framework for the cultural event. Only part of the Plainview lifeway system is reflected at the site. The locale represents a different level of social organization than seen at other Plainview period bison kill sites. Preliminary statements include a few differences and similarities between excavated Plainview sites.     

Isochronous Interpretation of Some C14 Datesa Technique for Temporal and Regional Studies

Abstract

Isochronous maps contoured to values of absolute dates for two Paleo-Indian complexes provide the basis for extending some interpretations of culture which are derived from temporal data. Place and time of origin can be determined, if not with exactness, at least with a greater degree of accuracy through graphically interpreted cultural associated dates. Mere concentrations of sites and oldest dates are not always sufficient criteria for determining the probable center of development of cultures. Direction, distance and rate of diffusion or migration are read directly from the graphic presentation of the data. From a careful extrapolation of contoured values the probable contemporaneity of cultures such as Folsom and Clovis is demonstrable. Finally, a considerable degree of confidence can be placed in information derived by cautious extrapolation and interpolation of contoured values of isochronous maps.     

Cody Knives and the Cody Complex in Plains Prehistory: A reassessment

Abstract

Discovery of the oldest dated Cody Knife in the New World calls for a redefinition of the Cody Complex in High Plains prehistqw. Its greater antiquity plus its association with an earlier culture gives new insight into the developmental sequence of certain Paleo-Indian tools.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

a Reexamination of Spring Deposited Lithics from Blackwater Draw Locality N0.1

Abstract

Archaeological’ excavations at Blackwater Draw Locality No. 1 from 1962 to 1964 uncovered a number of spring conduits. Several of these contained very high concentrations of Paleo-Indian lithic materials, which exhibited a high polish on their surfaces. Investigations of this phenomenon (Haynes and Agogino 1966) have suggested thatthe distributions and concentration of lithics within spring conduits. are the result of intentional discard (possibly through ritual activity) by Paleo-Indians.     

Hell Gap: Paleo-Indian Occupation on the High Plains

Abstract

A resume of archaeological investigations in the Hell Gap Valley of southeastern Wyoming is presented. This research produced a detailed sequence of Plains PaleoIndian occupation of this section of the High Plains. from about 9000 to 5500 B.C. Identifiable complexes recognized include Goshen, Midland, Folsom, Agate Basin, Hell Gap, Alberta, Cody, and Frederick. Materials recovered represent camping activities rather than the better known game kills, and add dimension to our knowledge of Plains Paleo-Indian cultures.