Donna C. Roper

Parasitism in Kansas in the 1800s: a glimpse to the past through the analysis of grave sediments from Meadowlark cemetery

During the excavations of the XIX century Meadowlark cemetery (Manhattan, Kansas, US), samples of sediments were taken from around five skeletons, and analyzed to detect intestinal parasites. No helminth eggs were found, but immunological ELISA tests for Entamoeba histolytica were positive in three samples. The immunological techniques have been successfully used in paleoparasitology to detect protozoan infections. Amoebiasis could have been a severe disease in the past, especially where poor sanitary conditions prevailed, and there is evidence that this cemetery may have been used in a situation where poor sanitary conditions may have prevailed. The presence of this protozoan in US during the late XIX century gives information on the health of the population and provides additional data on the parasites evolution since its appearance in the New World.

Interpreting AMS Radiocarbon Age Determinations from Selected Central Plains Tradition Sites

Abstract We report 45 newly-obtained dates for selected Central Plains tradition sites. Of these, 39 dates are from sites assigned to the Smoky Hill phase of central and north-central Kansas; the other six are from sites assigned to the Steed-Kisker phase or south end of the Nebraska phase. All dates were assayed by AMS dating, and all were run on annual plants or residue from ceramics. Before assessing the chronology as reflected by these dates, we consider the advantages of using annual deposits rather than wood charcoal for dating and illustrate the practical effects for Central Plains tradition chronology by comparing the distribution of ages of previously-obtained age determinations on wood charcoal with the distribution of ages on annual plants. The analysis shows that dating annual plants produces a tighter and more objectively interpreted age distribution. The calibrated dates are then evaluated and the implications for Central Plains tradition chronology are discussed.

Additional AMS Radiocarbon Age Determinations for the Central Plains Tradition

Abstract We report an additional 15 AMS age determinations on annual plants or ceramic residue from eight Central Plains tradition sites in Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. Age determinations are presented and problems with dating ceramic residue are discussed.

Source Analysis of Central Plains Tradition Pottery Using Neutron Activation Analysis: Feasibility and First Results

Abstract We report the results of a study applying instrumental neutron activation analysis (NAA) to pottery from eight sites assigned to the western part of the Central Plains tradition (Upper Republican and Smoky Hill phases) and six components identified as High Plains Upper Republican. Our purpose is to test the feasibility of using NAA to trace interactions among people of the Central Plains tradition and between the Central Plains tradition people and their counterparts on the High Plains. Results of the statistical analysis, which was performed using the chemical data for both newly sampled sites and previously studied sites (as reported by Cobry), suggest that NAA is a usable method for evaluating the movement of pottery for at least parts of the Central Plains tradition. Samples from four sites on Medicine Creek as well as the Albert Bell and LeBeau sites formed a single homogeneous group referred to as the Central Plains Reference Group. Samples from the other sites, however, formed distinct groups for each site and also reflected some interaction with their contemporaries. We discuss the implications of these results, some of the questions that remain, and the need for continued sampling.

Source area analysis of obsidian flakes from a Lower Loup phase site in Nebraska

Non-destructive energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis was applied to obsidian flakes from 25LP8, a Lower Loup phase site in Nebraska. All flakes have the same trace element composition as volcanic glasses of the Cerro del Medio chemical type, located in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico.

BREAKAGE PATTERNS OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS WOODLAND PROJECTILE POINTS

In most projectile point assemblages, it is common to find a large proportion of broken specimens. Assuming most broken specimens were broken prior to deposition in the archaeological record, three possible factors correlating with breaks are examined: (1) blade proportions, (2) major functional category, (3) haft morphology. Hypotheses for the role of each factor are framed and tested on a group of specimens from central Illinois. Use category appears to be the major factor in blade breakage, although total extent of breakage is also related to haft morphology.

New AMS Radiocarbon Dating Results for Central Plains Tradition Sites in Kansas and Nebraska

Abstract I report 16 new AMS age determinations on short-lived plant materials or ceramic residue from seven Central Plains tradition sites in Kansas and Nebraska. Before showing how these new dates contribute to improving the Central Plains tradition chronology, I assess the accuracy of the dates and provide comments on the effects of sample size on date accuracy, the use of small twigs for dating, and the reliability and accuracy of dates on ceramic residue. The new dates place these sites in the very late thirteenth or the fourteenth century. The new dates from sites in western Kansas and Nebraska, however, cannot yet be compared with previously obtained dates from nearby sites, since most of these previously obtained dates were on wood charcoal. New dates on short-lived remains from these sites are needed.

The Chronological Position of 14RC410, a Little River Focus Site in Rice County, Kansas, and its Implications

Abstract Archaeological site 14RC410, assigned to the Little River focus of the Great Bend aspect, was partially excavated in 2005. The recovered assemblage gave the distinct impression that this was an early Little River focus site. Although more precise temporal placement was uncertain, it was possible that the site was just early enough that calibration of radiometric age determinations might avoid the calibration curve fluctuations that have made it difficult to make temporal distinctions within the Little River focus. Accordingly, 14 age determinations were obtained on corn or grass matting. Five of the dated samples apparently were modern contaminants; the other nine placed 14RC410 solidly in the 1400s, indeed making 14RC410 an early Little River focus component. This temporal placement allowed a partial tracing of the changes between 14RC410 and its predecessors, and between 14RC410 and later Little River focus sites.

Documentary Evidence For Changes In Protohistoric And Early Historic Pawnee Hunting Practices

Protohistoric Pawnee hunting camps have been identified in recent years, casting doubt on the view that the hunting complex developed after the acquisition of the horse. Identification of such site...

Source analysis of obsidian debitage from two Early Archaic sites in Nebraska

Abstract We report results of the geochemical analysis of three obsidian objects from two Early Archaic Logan Creek complex, sites in Nebraska, 25FT376 and 25GY12. These are the only obsidian artifacts of this age on the Central Plains and are the oldest geochemically analyzed obsidian specimens from the region. All are identified to the Malad, Idaho, source area. A brief discussion places the objects in a regional context.