Abstract

This paper presents a preliminary analysis of a Middle Archaic assemblage recovered from buried cultural contexts at the Gilman Falls site (74-106) in Maine. Three seasons of excavation have resulted in the recovery of a large assemblage of lithic tools, from cultural contexts at 60 to 150 cm below current ground surface. A small faunal and floral assemblage was also recovered. This paper describes the site, the fluvial deposits that contributed to the burial of cultural occupations, and presents a summary of the lithic assemblage. Radiocarbon assays yielded dates around 7000 B.P., and provide a preliminary evaluation of cultural chronology in this area of the Northeastern United States. A new pollen diagram, recently completed in conjunction with this project, offers an opportunity to examine the changing environment of post-glacial Maine and Middle Archaic cultural adaptations to it.