Canadian Journal of Archaeology Volume 3

Canadian Journal of Archaeology Volume 3

Canadian Journal of Archaeology Volume 3

Obituaries

Articles

Abstract
This paper describes some of the preliminary results of a test excavation carried out at the Bluefish Caves site (northern Yukon Territory) during the summer of 1978. The data at hand allow us to suggest that the site was utilized by human groups at the end of the Pleistocene, between 13,000 and 10,000 B.P. The deposit is viewed as important mainly because of the primary (or nearly so) context of its constituants (lithic specimens, Pleistocene faunal elements, etc.) which is a rather unique situation for sites of that age in the boreal Cordillera.
Résumé

Cet article décrit certains des résultats préliminaires d'un sondage effectué en 1978, au site des Grottes du Poisson-Bleu (Yukon septentrional). Les données recueillies nous permettent de suggérer que le site a été utilisé par des groupes préhistoriques à la toute fin du Pléistocène, entre 13,000 et 10,000 B.P. L'importance du site tient beaucoup au fait que le matériel qu'on y trouve (pièces lithiques, éléments de faune Pléistocène, etc.) est peu ou pas remanié. Situation unique pour les gisements de cet ’ge dans la vaste région de la Cordillère boréale.
An Athabaskan Hypothesis
Roscoe Wilmeth
Abstract
Two major routes for the southward migration of the southern Athabaskans have been suggested, one through the Plains, the other through the Plateau. The evidence for each of these routes is assessed, and strengths and weaknesses noted. It is suggested that in fact both routes were used, with a complex pattern of divergence and merging at different times and places during the migration.
Résumé

La migration vers le sud des Athabaskans méridionaux se serait faite, d'après divers auteurs, soit par les Plaines, soit par le Plateau. Dans cet article, nous réexaminons les évidences suggérées à l'appui de ces hypothèses, leurs forces et leurs faiblesses relatives et nous suggérons que ces deux voies ont été utilisées et qu'elles ont été marquées d'un réseau complexe de divergences et de points de contact à différents endroits et en des temps différents au cours de cette migration.
Abstract
Samples from two components of the Snyder Dam Site (DhMg-37), Southwestern Manitoba are discussed. Occupation 1 is a late Middle (or Initial) Woodland component with a weighted mean of three dates of A.D. 937±39. Occupation 2 is a Late (or Terminal) Woodland component dating A.D. 1285±70. The multiple dates represent a test of comparison using collagen versus charcoal dates and are accompanied by discussion of the relative merits of each material. The two components are represented by reconstructed vessels. The reconstructions show that much more information is available than from rim sherds. An attempt to relate the squat conoidal textile impressed vessels of Occupation 1 materials with other ceramic typologies of the Middle Woodland period shows that the Snyder Dam component is unique and that comparative analysis is hampered by rarity of reconstructions, lack of analysis of textile surface impressions, poor quality of visual presentations, and local regional orientation of analysis.
Résumé

Au cours des étés de 1970 et 1971, quelques sondages ont été réalisés sur un site contenant de la poterie et présentant plusieurs niveaux d'occupation le long de la rivière Souris dans le sud-ouest du Manitoba. Les vases furent reconstitués, des échantillons d'os et de charbons furent soumis à des études de datation et les quelques restes fauniques furent analysés. Cet échantillon constitue le premier exemple manitobain d'une nouvelle unité culturelle du début du Sylvicole supérieur et d'un Sylvicole supérieur plus récent qui montre des contacts avec les groupes du Missouri. La reconstitution des vases permet de souligner les limites d'une analyse exclusive des bords. Les trois dates de l'occupation ancienne du Sylvicole supérieur ont été traitées avec une formule statistique qui nous permet de la situer vers l'an 937 ± 39 de notre ère. Ces dates furent étudiées en tenant compte qu'il s'agissait d'échantillons d'os et de charbons et on a souligné les limites des résultats obtenus à partir d'échantillons uniques et leurs consé- quences. L'occupation plus récente du Sylvicole supérieur n'est qualifiée que par une seule date, 1285 ± 70 A.D. (S-740).
Abstract
This paper presents a basic taxonomic classification for Ontario Iroquois effigy pipes. Forty-five zoomorphic, anthropomorphic, and dual styles (types) are enumerated. In addition, twelve lines of interpretation provide varying explanations of what this art work means. It is concluded that multiple explanations are required, and that they are effigy specific.
Résumé

Une classification taxonomique de base des pipes à effigie des Iroquois d'Ontario est présentée dans cet article. Au total, 45 types zoomorphiques, anthropomorphiques ou présentant les 2 styles sont énumérés. En outre, 12 modes d'interprétation nous procurent des explications variables de la signification de cet art et on doit conclure que des explications multiples sont nécessaires pour en rendre compte et que ces explications sont spécifiques à cet art.
Abstract
Radiocarbon dates for three early Iroquoian ossuary pits at the Serpent Mounds site indicate that Pickering peoples had a developed ossuary tradition by the A.D. 1000-1300 period. An informal review of the evidence for burial systems in the Terminal Woodland of southern Ontario suggests that the elaborate late Huron mortuary practices were the final expression of a long tradition that may be traced back about a thousand years to the early beginnings of agricultural village life in Ontario.
Résumé

Des dates au radiocarbone de trois anciens ossuaires iroquoiens du site Serpent Mounds indiquent que les groupes Pickering avaient déjà bien développé cette tradition entre les années 1000-1300 de notre ère. Une revue informelle des évidences de comportements funéraires systématisés au cours du Sylvicole terminal du sud de l'Ontario nous permet de suggérer que les coutumes funéraires des Hurons tardifs étaient l'expression finale d'une longue tradition qui peut être suivie sur environ un millénaire jusqu'aux premiers commencements de la vie villageoise et agricole en Ontario.
An Empirical Study of Probability Sampling Design
David R. Bellhouse, William D. Finlayson
Abstract
This paper presents preliminary results of an empirical study of probability sampling designs based on the study of seven attributes of collared rimsherds from six totally or almost totally excavated middens investigated during the 1975 rescue excavations at the Draper site. The results of this study suggest that the current practice of arbitrary selections of sampling designs and sampling fractions are inappropriate and recommendations for a more appropriate method of selecting sampling designs and fraction are presented.
Résumé

Cet article expose les résultats préliminaires d'une étude empirique de modèles d'échantillonnage probabiliste basés sur l'étude de sept attributs de tessons de bords avec parement tirés de six dépôtoirs totalement ou partiellement fouillés lors de travaux de sauvetage menés en 1975 au site Draper. Les résultats obtenus nous font croire que la pratique commune de sélection arbitraire de modèles d'échantillonnage et de fractions d'échantillonnage est inappropriée et de nouvelles recommandations sont faites pour assurer une méthode plus adéquate.
Abstract
Five small engraved pebbles were found out of archaeological context in the village of St-Pierre-les-Becquets, Québec. The schematic motifs are not unlike some already found on rock art or on other small abjects already published, and the mirror-effect of the drawings was characteristic of local Indians. They might be pieces of an unknown dice game or magical paraphernalia.
Résumé

Cinq petits disques gravés ont été trouvés hors contexte dans la petite localité de St-Pierre-les-Becquets. Ils sont décorés de motifs schématiques analogues à ceux rencontrés dans les oeuvres d’art rupestre ou mobilier du Nord-Est et présentent une composition à effet miroir caractéristique de l’art décoratif des Amérindiens de la région. Ils correspondent peut-être à des éléments d’un jeu ou d’une trousse d’objets magiques.
Abstract
The Coast Salish cultural pattern is viewed as a specialized hunting and gathering adaptation which has evolved out of a more generalized format. Accepting the interface between the Locarno Beach and Marpole culture types (circa 400 B.C.) as the transition point, it is difficult to recognize either the stimulus behind such a development or the mechanism by which it occurred. It is maintained that the Hope/Yale region of the Fraser Canyon is a locale better suited, in an ecological sense, for the generalized to specialized transformation. It is also suggested that immigration or full population movement from that area to the Fraser delta formed the basis for subsequent developments.

Book Reviews

The Eskimos and Aleuts ( ) – reviewed by Charles D. Arnold
The Discovery of a Norse Settlement in America ( ) – reviewed by James A. Tuck
Prehistory of the North American Subarctic: the Athabaskan Question ( , Van Dyke, ) – reviewed by K.R. Fladmark

Symposium Papers

The Manis Mastodon Site: Early Man on the Olympic Peninsula
Carl E. Gustafson, Richard Daugherty, Delbert W. Gilbow
Abstract
The Manis site on the northern Olympic Peninsula near Sequim, Washington, has yielded evidence that a mastodon was butchered there approximately 12,000 years ago. A bone 'projectile point' embedded in a mastodon rib and other artifacts made of bone and tusk have been recovered. A single cobble spall tool is the only distinguishable stone artifact associated with the mastodon bones. By 12,000 years ago, coniferous forests had not yet invaded the northern Olympic Peninsula, and shrub-tundra vegetation characterized the region. Evidence of later occupation at the site is provided by a leaf-shaped, basalt 'Olcott' point found directly above a layer of volcanic ash derived from Mt. Mazama.
Pebble Tools and Time Factoring
Garland F. Grabert
Abstract
Pebble tool assemblages have for many years been one of the more puzzling lithic classes in the Pacific Northwest. They have been viewed as chronological markers, as indicators of task-specific sites, and as remains of distinct cultural entities. They sometimes seem to be the only visible part of certain regional site components, whereas at other times a variety of lithic tools accompanies the pebble tool complex. Assemblages of both kinds have been recorded and examined by the writer in both littoral and upland sites. Pebble tools need not be chronological markers. While coastline changes may have occurred in post glacial times, several of these sites have always been within a few hundred meters of a coast though the elevations above sea level have changed. Experiments are underway to determine pebble tool utility in different tasks. Context and association are variables that must be controlled before temporal factors can be expressed.
Early Cultural Complexes on the Northern Northwest Coast
R.E. Ackerman, T.D. Hamilton, R. Stuckenrath
Abstract
The occupation of the northern sector of the Northwest Coast during the Early Period (circa 10,000-5,000 BP) is represented by a scattering of sites on the mainland and the off shore islands of the Alexander Archipelago. Definition of the cultural phase (s) is thus far limited to lithic inventories. Information, thus far available, indicates a considerable amount of contact among groups on the coast and continuing relations with interior groups on the mainland. Characterization of the coastal adaptations during this time period will be based mainly on data from archaeological and geological investigations, and from radiocarbon dating of sites in the Icy Strait-Lynn Canal region.
Abstract
Unlike all other periods of Central Coast prehistory, the Early Period is typified by a high frequency of flaked stone tools. These assemblages include tools of diverse types: pebble tools, leaf-shaped bifaces, microblades, macroblades and Levalloisoid flakes and cores. This paper explores the question of the external affinities of these industries, their meaning in terms of way of life during the period, and their potential relationships to linguistic groups of the historic period.