Testing the Modified Initial Middle Missouri Variant

Abstract

Taxa in the Middle Missouri subarea are differentiated largely on the basis of cultural content and time; thus, the creation of a new taxon (the Modified Initial Middle Missouri Variant of the Middle Missouri Tradition) implies change within the Initial Middle Missouri Variant - change which is implied but not documented. The objective of the present study is to examine the validity of the new taxon. The analysis relies primarily on ceramics, supplemented by a new series of radiocarbon dates. The investigation failed to support the hypothesized ceramic tradition change, and the radiocarbon dates suggest these sites do not fit the Modified Initial Middle Missouri time period. This study concludes the Modified Initial Middle Missouri Variant is not a valid taxon.