Mary J. Adair

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.

Refining Plains Woodland Chronology

Abstract Twenty-three AMS age determinations, obtained from annual plant remains and ceramic residues, are presented as a guide in addressing potential changes to the chronology of the central Plains Woodland period. When compared to older conventional wood charcoal dates, these new AMS dates demonstrate the need to critically evaluate existing temporal ranges of several Woodland cultures. In particular, the new dates help fill in temporal gaps in our understanding of significant cultural transitions during the Plains Woodland. Areas for further research on the Plains Woodland are also suggested.

Modeling Kansas City Hopewell Developments and Regional Social Interactions: A Multisite Ceramic Analysis and New AMS Radiocarbon Ages

ABSTRACT In the 1950s, the Kansas City Hopewell (KCH) was modeled as a phenomenon originating from a migration of people or diffusion of ideas from Middle Woodland Hopewell communities in Illinois, a model that greatly influenced subsequent research. Two lines of evidence were instrumental in the formation of this model: ceramics and chronology. This study presents the results of 24 newly obtained accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dates associated with a typological analysis of ceramics from three KCH sites, plus Early Woodland sherds from several regional sites. The results indicate that the KCH developed in part from local Early Woodland populations (ca. 500–1 BC) and was chronologically equivalent to Havana Hopewell in Illinois (ca. 100 BC–AD 400). Early and Middle Woodland ceramics also share affinities with types in regions to the north, south, and east of Kansas City, indicating that KCH origins and interactions were more multiregional and complex than the traditional model suggests.

Donna C. Roper, 1947–2015

Donna C. Roper, a long-time contributor to the archaeology profession and an active member of the Plains Anthropological Society, passed away on 15 August 2015, shortly after being diagnosed with colon cancer. One of Donna’s last comments was that she always wanted to make a difference in our understanding of Plains archaeology. There is no doubt she achieved this goal, based on her decades of research, her effective dissemination of this research, and unwavering willingness to organize or participate in service endeavours. Her dedication and contributions to the profession were duly recognized, as she was awarded the Plains Anthropological Society’s Distinguished Service Award and the William Duncan Strong award by the Nebraska Association of Professional Archaeologists in her final days. Donna was born in Oneonta, New York on 20 June 1947 to Norman E. and Laura (Deitz) Roper. She is survived by her younger sister Marilyn and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Donna’s parents provided a supportive and encouraging foundation for their children. Her mother Laura was a registered nurse, a deacon in the Lutheran Church of the Atonement, and an active supporter of Oneonta’s arts organizations. Her father Norman was the business manager/comptroller of Hartwick College. Donna learned to read at the young age of three, was an accomplished cornet player, and sang in the Lutheran Church choir. She spent her summers at the Girl Scouts camp or music camp and winters skiing in New Hampshire. Donna followed in her parent’s footsteps by graduating from Hartwick College, an institution that her maternal grandfather helped establish. There she continued her activities in sports, especially lacrosse, and contemplated several different majors. During a college-sponsored trip to Veracruz, Mexico, Donna discovered her passion for archaeology and returned to Hartwick to complete an honour’s thesis entitled ‘The Olmec as Precursors of Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican plains anthropologist, Vol. 61 No. 239, August, 2016, 282–290