Archaic (Archaeology in Northeastern North America)

Report on Maritime Archaic excavation project in Northern Labrador

by Christopher Wolff

Determining the Genesis and Cultural Significance of Deep Soil Features at Southeastern Connecticut’s Preston Plains Site

by Timothy Ives

Ph.D. dissertation, University of Connecticut (2010)

Archaeologists excavating Archaic and Woodland Period sites on sandy, unconsolidated soils in the Northeastern U.S.... more Archaeologists excavating Archaic and Woodland Period sites on sandy, unconsolidated soils in the Northeastern U.S. have identified deep soil features (hereafter DSFs) that are challenging to interpret.  Though hundreds of these basin-shaped features have been recorded, archaeologists do not agree as to whether or not they are anthropogenic.  Competing hypotheses have suggested that DSFs constitute the remnants of semi-subterranean pit houses, or, alternately, soil disturbances generated by naturally occurring tree throws.  This dissertation presents a case study of a DSF complex at southeastern Connecticut’s Preston Plains Site.  Its analytical design combines scholarship, empirically-based data assessments, and hypothesis testing to holistically inform an interpretation of the genesis and cultural significance of DSFs here.  Its results discount the pit house hypothesis while supporting the tree throw hypothesis according to multiple lines of evidence.  A simple and flexible model is proposed to explain how tree throws are modified through time to express the variety of forms and stratigraphies observed in DSFs.  Furthermore, it is determined that the pit-and-mound microtopographies afforded by ancient tree throws at Preston Plains were targeted by small groups of Late Archaic Period (ca. 5000-3000 BP) foragers as elements of short-term residential sites.  While archaeologists have already determined that Mesolithic and early Neolithic Europeans utilized such topographies as site elements, this study provides the most detailed set of supporting evidence of such behavior to date.

Tree Throws and Site Selection: Late Archaic Period Occupation at the Preston Plains Site in Southeastern Connecticut.

by Timothy Ives

forthcoming publication in Northeast Anthropology, Vol.77 (2009)

Several Archaic and Woodland period sites in the New England and the Middle Atlantic contain deep soil features (DSFs)... more Several Archaic and Woodland period sites in the New England and the Middle Atlantic contain deep soil features (DSFs) that have become objects of a pit house versus tree throw debate. Contributing to this debate, a case study of a DSF complex at southeastern Connecticut’s Preston Plains Site argues that tree throws generated such features, and proposes how long-term processes transform tree throw disturbances into the varied expressions DSFs exhibit.  Most important, local Late Archaic Period (ca. 5-3000 B.P.) foragers appear to have centered some of their short-term residential sites on tree throw hollows.  In view of similar patterns from Mesolithic and early Neolithic European sites, these findings highlight what is likely an under-recognized and globally relevant aspect of human behavior in forested landscapes.

Busy in the Shadow of the Ossippee Mountains: Archaic Hornfels Workshops and a Paleoindian Site in Tamworth, New Hampshire

by Timothy Ives

published in The New Hampshire Archaeologist 45(1) (2005)
co-authored with Alan Leveillee

During the 2003 and 2004 field seasons, staff of the Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc. (PAL) identified a cluster of... more During the 2003 and 2004 field seasons, staff of the Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc. (PAL) identified a cluster of three Native American archaeological sites (Sites 27-CA-56, 27-CA-157, and 27-CA-158) within the town of Tamworth, New Hampshire. Each site encompasses multiple lithic workshops where locally available Moat/Ossipee hornfels was intensively exploited. This paper outlines the results and interpretations of a subsequent archaeological investigation that evaluated the character of these lithic workshops. The significant contributions this study provides include identification of stages of lithic manufacture revealing the operating technology reflected within, and the recognition of a new aspect of exploitation of the Moat/Ossipee lithic complex — the inclusion of minor streams as exploitable source areas among the central elements of the lithic industry. These investigations also resulted in the identification of a PaleoIndian component to one of these sites, which has been designated the Stones Throw Site. This small, short-term campsite has yielded a distinctive lithic assemblage and new radiocarbon data that contribute towards the limited, but growing database regarding PaleoIndian occupation in New Hampshire and the Northeast.

The Middle Archaic Period in Connecticut: The View From Mashantucket

by Brian Jones

Bulletin of the Archaeological Society of Connecticut 62: 101-124, 1999

This paper briefly examines the state-wide record of Middle Archaic sites in Connecticut as represented in the records... more This paper briefly examines the state-wide record of Middle Archaic sites in Connecticut as represented in the records of the Office of the State Archaeologist. This summary is followed by a more detailed look at Middle Archaic sites recently excavated on the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation in southeastern Connecticut. Three sites are examined in terms of assemblage content and artifact distribution. Middle Archaic sites at Mashantucket appear to represent short-term hunting and butchering oriented camps. While they may represent family-sized residential camps, it is plausible that most of the Middle Archaic sites at Mashantucket functioned as logistical support camps for larger residential base camps located elsewhere. The general lack of archaeological data for the period between 7,000 and 5,000 BP is noted. Possible causes of the apparent hiatus are discussed, as are ways of locating sites dating to this period.

New evidence for the Paleoindian occupation of the Narragansett Basin, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, USA (revised draft)

by Kevin P. Smith

Revised/edited version of a draft posted previously, co-authored with Nina Hellebreker and Amy E. Smith, and accepted for Current Research in the Pleistocene 28 (2012).

New Evidence for the Paleoindian Occupation of the Narragansett Basin, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, USA

by Kevin P. Smith

Draft research note submitted (2011) to Current Research in the Pleistocene regarding collections re-analyses underway at the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology. Co-authored with Amy Smith and Nina Hellebrekers.

A Preliminary Report on a Late Archaic Pithouse from the Davidson Site (AhHk-54).

by Christopher J. Ellis

(co-authored with Ed Eastaugh and James Keron) 2010. Published in Kewa 10(6-7):1-12.

A Preliminary Report on a 3000 Year Old “Wall Trench” Structure from the Davidson Site (AhHk-54).

by Christopher J. Ellis

(co-authored with James Keron) 2011. Published in Kewa 11(2):1-10.

Archaeological Data Recovery at 47JE0185 (Sauerhammer), 47JE1140 (Lee Rickerman), and 47JE1142 (Straus-Neis), Jefferson County, Wisconsin. Great Lakes Archaeological Research Center, Report of Investigations 726.

by Richard Kubicek

Co-authored with Jennifer Haas and Nicholas Weber

Archaeological data recovery operations were conducted in 2008 at sites 47JE0185 (Sauerhammer), 47JE1140 (Lee... more Archaeological data recovery operations were conducted in 2008 at sites 47JE0185 (Sauerhammer), 47JE1140 (Lee Rickerman), and 47JE1142 (Strauss-Neis), located south of the city of Watertown in Jefferson County, Wisconsin. Each of these sites represents open-air prehistoric (Archaic and Woodland tradition) Native American campsite/resource extraction sites. 

The archaeological data recovery operations consisted of surface survey and site stripping of 2,200 square meters at Strauss-Neis and 5,392 square meters at the Sauerhammer site, along with the hand excavation of 404.25 square meters at the Lee Rickerman site.

Redesign of the STH 26 Watertown/North segment concentrated site stripping and survey at Strauss-Neis on the southeastern portion of the site, located in a cultivated field. The redesign avoided the undisturbed portion of the site. Data recovery at the Strauss-Neis site resulted in the collection of 72 waste flakes, 6 flake tools, and 11 formal tools. No subsurface features were indentified during site stripping. It was concluded that the portion of the Strauss-Neis site within the STH 26 Reconstruction ROW was primarily located within the disturbed plow zone. The results of data recovery at the Strauss-Neis site, in conjunction with a re-analysis of material recovered from earlier studies, indicates that use of the Strauss-Neis site occurred during the Late Archaic and Early Woodland periods with an Early Woodland Lakes Farm phase component. The lithic evidence at the Strauss-Neis site is indicative of an occupation site where stone tools related to animal processing (projectile points, scrapers) were expediently created, utilized, and retouched. The presence of temporally adjacent, successive diagnostic projectile points indicates that the site was used over a finite time and then abandoned. The small number of ceramic sherds recovered during excavation intimates that food storage and/or cooking occurred on the site. A hearth or oven feature revealed during Phase II investigations provides further evidence for on-site food preparation. The lack of structural habitation features hints toward temporary occupation periods at the site.

A total of 61 percent of the Sauerhammer site was mechanically stripped for the STH 26 data recovery. This amounted to 75 percent of the site within the STH 26 reconstruction ROW.  Data recovery at the Sauerhammer site generated a small collection of cultural materials, totaling 16 artifacts, weighing 62.9 g. Recovered artifacts include chipped stone flaking debris, chipped stone tools, fire-cracked rock, natural rock, and nut shell. A total of 20 features were identified during data recovery operations.  None of these features can unequivocally be assigned to a cultural period, although 19 are assumed to be of prehistoric origin, and a single feature is of a probable historic Euroamerican affiliation. Assumed prehistoric features identified at the Sauerhammer site included 15 subsurface pits and four hearths.  The lithic evidence at the pre-pottery Sauerhammer site is indicative of an occupation site where stone tools related to animal processing (projectile points, scrapers) were expediently created, utilized, and retouched. The maintenance of several fire pits suggests that food resource procurement occurred over time and was likely accompanied by the consumption of the products at the site. It is also probable that the site was revisited over time and then abandoned due to the presence of temporally adjacent, successive diagnostic projectile points. The lack of structural habitation features intimates temporary occupation periods at the site. 

The entirety of the Lee Rickerman site is located within the STH 26 Reconstruction ROW. Data recovery at the site focused on hand excavation of test units due to the undisturbed soil stratigraphy at the site. A total of 4,857 artifacts weighing a total of 14,427.6 grams were collected during archaeological data recovery at the Lee Rickerman site. Two cultural features interpreted as hearths/cooking features were identified during data recovery. Two distinct cultural strata were identified based on differences in cultural material assemblages. Vertical patterning revealed that the site harbors a substantial Middle to Late Archaic component below a Late Woodland component. 
The Middle to Late Archaic stage occupation at the Lee Rickerman site likely represents a seasonal or short-term hunting camp. Both local and imported materials were utilized to process faunal material at the site. Based on the amount of lithic material recovered and the temporally successive projectile points it is likely that the site was revisited during the Middle to Late Archaic stage.

The Late Woodland horizon at the Lee Rickerman site most likely represents a Horicon phase temporary occupation or resource extraction site. Like the lower Middle to Late Archaic horizon, the Late Woodland horizon is characterized by lithic debitage and stone tools related to hunting and animal processing. In addition, two features and at least one ceramic vessel indicate that food preparation also occurred at the site.

The effect of freshwater mussel consumption on dental wear during the Late Archaic period

by Stuart Nealis

Evidence for Bow and Arrow Use in the Small Point Late Archaic of Southwestern Ontario.

by Christopher J. Ellis

(with K. Snarey) Published in: The “Compleat Archaeologist”: Papers in Honour of Michael W. Spence, edited by C. J. Ellis, N. Ferris, P. Timmins and C. D. White. Occasional Publications of the London Chapter, Ontario Archaeological Society, No. 9, London, Ontario. (co-published as Ontario Archaeology 85-88), pp. 21-38, 2010.

email me (cjellis@uwo.ca) if you would like a pdf copy.

At the Crossroads and Periphery: The Archaic Archaeological Record of Southern Ontario.

by Christopher J. Ellis

(with P. Timmins and H. Martelle). Published in: Archaic Societies: Diversity and Complexity Across the Midcontinent,... more (with P. Timmins and H. Martelle). Published in: Archaic Societies: Diversity and Complexity Across the Midcontinent, edited by Thomas E. Emerson, Andrew Fortier and Dale McElrath.  State University of New York Press, Albany, pp. 787-840. 2009.

email me (cjellis@uwo.ca) if you would like a pdf copy.

The Archaic

by Christopher J. Ellis

Co-authored with Ian T. Kenyon and Michael W. Spence, In The Archaeology of Southern Ontario to AD 1650, pages 65-124, edited by Chris J. Ellis and Neal Ferris. London Chapter OAS Occasional Paper No. 5, 1990.

Nettling: An Overview of an Early Archaic "Kirk Corner-Notched Cluster" Site in Southwestern Ontario

by Christopher J. Ellis

Co-authored with Stanley Wortner and William Fox, Canadian Journal of Archaeology 15:1-34, 1991

A late Archaic dog coprolite from Inverhuron, Ontario

by Peter Ramsden

Published in Arch-Notes 87-3, 1987.

Very brief report on a dog coprolite from the lowest level of the late Archaic (ca 1150 BC) Rocky Ridge site at... more Very brief report on a dog coprolite from the lowest level of the late Archaic (ca 1150 BC) Rocky Ridge site at Inverhuron, Ontario.

The Ohio Archaic: A Review

by Matthew Purtill

Late-Paleoindian Archaeology at the Eaton Site, Western New York

by Kevin P. Smith

Final version published (2011) in Current Research in the Pleistocene 27: 142-145. Co-authored with William Engelbrecht and John D. Holland.

Excavations at the Eaton Site, a late-precontact Erie village in Erie County, NY, uncovered a large suite of pre-Late... more Excavations at the Eaton Site, a late-precontact Erie village in Erie County, NY, uncovered a large suite of pre-Late Woodland bifaces among which were a small suite of diagnostic Late Paleoindian projectile points. Three, referable to the Hi-Lo style, expand the previously known suite of such points from Western New York and are the first from excavated contexts. Three other points are attributable to the Holcombe type, first reported from southeastern Michigan and extremely uncommon in New York State. Morphologically, the Eaton Site Holcombe points fall within the classic Holcombe form, but metrically they intergrade with the recently defined Late Paleoindian Cormier-Nicholas type of New England, suggesting both continued interaction between the Lower Great Lakes and New England, ca. 10,000-10,200 bp, and increasing regional divergence among these Late Paleoindian populations.

The Early and Middle Archaic in the Niagara Frontier: Documenting the "Missing Years" in Lower Great Lakes Prehistory (pt. 3)

by Kevin P. Smith

Co-authored with Neil O'Donnell and John D. Holland; published in Bulletin of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences 36: 1-79 (1998)

The Early Holocene period remains the least understood segment of lower Great Lakes prehistory. This paper provides a... more The Early Holocene period remains the least understood segment of lower Great Lakes prehistory. This paper provides a descriptive and synthetic catalog of curated Early and Middle Archaic projectile points from the Niagara Frontier of western New York and adjacent Ontario, documents their diversity and diagnostic attributes, and discusses their distribution, frequency, and probable ages in the region. The number and variety of diagnostic Early Holocene artifacts identified in these collections suggest that past models of culture-history and cultural dynamics in the early post-glacial lower Great Lakes region need to be reconsidered.

An old chestnut, published 1998 in a very deeply hidden series and ignored either because it should be or because it's very hard to find. Admittedly this is a very old-school, cultural historical and normative exercise, but hopefully was a useful exercise to bring old collections, and some then-recent survey collections, out into the open and to rethink some ideas about 4000 years of poorly understood prehistory based upon those materials.

This is Part 3 of 3.

The Early and Middle Archaic in the Niagara Frontier: Documenting the "Missing Years" in Lower Great Lakes Prehistory (pt. 2)

by Kevin P. Smith

Co-authored with Neil O'Donnell and John D. Holland; published in Bulletin of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences 36: 1-79 (1998)

The Early Holocene period remains the least understood segment of lower Great Lakes prehistory. This paper provides a... more The Early Holocene period remains the least understood segment of lower Great Lakes prehistory. This paper provides a descriptive and synthetic catalog of curated Early and Middle Archaic projectile points from the Niagara Frontier of western New York and adjacent Ontario, documents their diversity and diagnostic attributes, and discusses their distribution, frequency, and probable ages in the region. The number and variety of diagnostic Early Holocene artifacts identified in these collections suggest that past models of culture-history and cultural dynamics in the early post-glacial lower Great Lakes region need to be reconsidered.

An old chestnut, published 1998 in a very deeply hidden series and ignored either because it should be or because it's very hard to find. Admittedly this is a very old-school, cultural historical and normative exercise, but hopefully was a useful exercise to bring old collections, and some then-recent survey collections, out into the open and to rethink some ideas about 4000 years of poorly understood prehistory based upon those materials.

This is Part 2 of 3.