Abstract

Archaeological research in the Lower Fraser/Gulf of Georgia region has concentrated upon the establishment of local chronologies of culture. This cultural sequence spans the last three millennia, although recent investigations (Carlson, 1970; Calvert, 1970) suggest that this may be pushed back another 1,000 to 2,000 years. A major problem in the cultural sequence has been an apparent hiatus which appeared to exist between A.D. 400 and A.D. 1250. Surface collections from a prehistoric coastal midden in the region suggested that data from the site would hopefully be able to shed some light on this developmental gap. It was with this in mind that excavations during the summer and autumn were undertaken at the Belcarra Park. On the basis of observed physical stratifaction and material culture excavated, two components (Early and Late) are recognized. Two C-14 dates show that the late component (Belcarra Park II) falls within the above mentioned hiatus. It is suggested that considerable culture change, reflected in technology, took place during this time period.