Mary Lou Larson

Chipped Stone Nodules: Theory, Method, and Examples

AbstractWith the recent proliferation of refitting studles, grouping artifacts into raw material nodules in preparation for refitting is becoming more common. Even if little is found to fit, the nodules formed in the refitting process still yield Information beyond that which can be gained by Just identifying raw material type, or even raw material source locations for assemblages. We discuss minimumanalytical nodules (MAN) and their analysts (MANA) as a means of further understanding chipped stone technological organization. We use several case studies from the Northwest Plains and Rocky Mountain chipped stone assemblages ranging in age from more than 10.000 to 100 years old in order to address implications for forager technology.

Housepits and Mobile Hunter - Gatherers: A Consideration of the Wyoming Evidence

Archaeologists working in Wyoming have documented semisubterranean features identified as housepits and pithouses in many parts of the state. Analysis of 28 Wyoming sites with a total of 45 structures reveals much about this architectural phenomenon. Occurring most frequently between 6000 and 4500 bp, these structures present a range of variation that is comparable to features elsewhere and are among the earliest structures reported in the western United States. In addition to domestic use, these structures provided an alternative means of resource storage for residentially mobile hunter-gatherers. Suggestions for future research include further site formation and site structural studies.

10,000 Years in the Rocky Mountains: The Helen Lookingbill Site

Abstract Located in a spring-fed meadow at 2620 masl, Helen Lookingbill is a stratified, high-altitude open site in the Washakie Range of the Absaroka Mountains in NW Wyoming. The site contains cultural material ranging in age from Paleoindian through Late Prehistoric periods. Although the densest cultural deposits date to the Early Archaic (8000–5000 b.p., uncalibrated), other time periods are well represented. A 10,400 year old layer comprises the earliest component (Haskett/Hell Gap) in the main excavation area; above it is a series of Late Paleoindian, Early Archaic, later Archaic, and Late Prehistoric components. The major materials at the site are chipped stone and bone, while a deer bone bed dating between 6500 and 6800 b.p. is contained within the main excavation block. In addition to deet; the site contains the remains of mountain sheep, bison, porcupine, and other mammals. Located on and near both quartzite and chert stone sources, the mountain meadow served as a prehistoric camp site and yielded evidence of tool production, heat treatment, refurbishing, and use. Interdisciplinary research provides much information pertinent to understanding the nature of site occupation with implications for regional cultural dynamics, high altitude hunter-gatherer adaptations, and site formation processes.

Paleoindian bison procurement and paleoenvironments in Middle Park of Colorado

The Upper Twin Mountain Site, located within a geologic slump scar at 2548 m altitude, provides significant information on Paleoindian bison procurement. As the highest known Paleoindian bison bone bed, the site contained the partial skeletal remains of at least 15 adult Late Pleistocene bison (B. antiquus), Goshen projectile points, and debitage. Radiocarbon dates of 10,240±70 and 10,470±50 yr B.P. place Upper Twin Mountain midway between the northern Plains Goshen and southern Plains Plainview sites. With a late fall or early winter mortality of the bison and the presence of only local stone, year round occupation of Middle Park is indicated. Analysis of the geology, soil, and pollen, from the archaeological and nonarchaeological deposits at the Upper Twin Mountain and elsewhere in the region are used to describe the paleoenvironmental conditions in Middle Park.

THE NELSON SITE, A CODY OCCUPATION IN NORTHEASTERN COLORADO

Abstract The Nelson site in northeastern Colorado represents a Cody age occupation of the High Plains. Because Paleoindian sites of any age are sparse in the archaeological record, each known occurrence adds significant information about prehistory. The Nelson site has received no formal field investigation; however, a small quantity of data has accumulated over nearly one half century of collecting. The cultural affiliation can be demonstrated with the recovered chipped stone assemblage and a new radiocarbon date, while zooarchaeological assessment of the fauna yields preliminary information about the nature of the occupation and Paleoindian lifeways.

Late High Plains Archaic

Relative Time Period: Follows the Middle High Plains Archaic tradition, precedes the High Plains Late Prehistoric tradition.