Northeastern North America (Archaeology)

The Potential of Bulk δ13C on Encrusted Cooking Residues as Independent Evidence for Regional Maize Histories

by John P. Hart

Co-authored with William A. Lovis, Robert J. Jeske, and John D. Richards. 2012. American Antiquity 77(2):315-325.

The histories of maize utilization in eastern North America have been substantially revised recently, primarily... more The histories of maize utilization in eastern North America have been substantially revised recently, primarily because of the analysis of charred cooking residues encrusted on pottery. A multifaceted research strategy of bulk δ13C assays coupled with accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon data and microbotanical evidence can yield coherent regional maize use histories. Bulk δ13C assay interpretation complications include (1) variations among vessels by site, (2) a potential for false negatives, and (3) a wide range of variation potentially present for any given time period. Regional histories using this approach can be quite variable without appropriate use of multiple lines of evidence.

Assessment of the Gripability of Textured Ceramic Surfaces

by Matthew Boulanger

2012 American Antiquity 77(2): 293-302. Co-authored with C. M. Hudson.

Archaeologists have suggested that various methods of surface texturing, specifically those resulting in alternating... more Archaeologists have suggested that various methods of surface texturing, specifically those resulting in alternating ridges and grooves, affect the gripability of a ceramic vessel. Various methods of vessel texturing were applied to ceramic test tiles and evaluated using a tribometer outfitted with a malleable skinlike substrate. Nontextured (smoothed) ceramic tiles were similarly evaluated. Tiles were evaluated under both dry and wet conditions. Coefficients of static friction suggest that, under wet and dry conditions, smoothed surfaces generate less friction than textured surfaces and that not all textured surfaces produce the same amount of friction. Results indicate that vessel-wall texturing may be an adaptation for increased vessel longevity. Explanations of the development and use of textured pottery must now consider gripability along with a variety of factors related to vessel performance.

Geographic and Compositional Variability of Ceramic Resources in Northern New England

by Matthew Boulanger

published in 'North American Archaeologist', 2008, co-authored with M.D. Glascock

Approaches to ceramic analysis in northern New England have historically followed a normative approach to describing... more Approaches to ceramic analysis in northern New England have historically followed a normative approach to describing form and decoration. Further, these analyses have, with few exceptions, been limited to addressing questions of culture history and chronology. Recent analysis of pottery from the Woodland and Contact periods as well as natural clay deposits from Vermont and New Hampshire serves as a case study in how regional archaeologists may move beyond simplistic questions of "Who?" and "When?" and begin to pursue the "How?" and "Why?" To that end, these data are discussed in terms of technological choices and transmission of cultural knowledge across generations.

Introduction: Analytical Applications in the Archaeology of Eastern North America: Papers from a Session at the 2007 Eastern States Archaeological Federation Meeting, Burlington, Vermont

by Matthew Boulanger

published in 'North American Archaeologist', 2008

Database of Published Radiocarbon Dates for Vermont, with a Brief Discussion of the Method

by Matthew Boulanger

published in 'Journal of Vermont Archaeology', 2007

Link to this research on my homepage:
more Link to this research on my homepage:
http://web.me.com/matthewboulanger/Matts_Homepage/Radiocarbon_Database.html

I briefly discuss the history and methodology of radiocarbon dating as a preface to a list of 247 archaeological and 26 geological radiocarbon dates from Vermont. Radiocarbon lists have been published for several New England states (Hoffman 1988; Maine Archaeological Society 2007) and archaeological time periods (Hoffman 1998; Levine 1990), yet no such list has been published for Vermont. This list is offered as encouragement for future archaeological research in the state, and as an aid for understanding one aspect of the history of archaeological research in Vermont (e.g., Lyman 2000; O'Brien 1995).

Characterization of New England Chert Sources by Neutron Activation

by Matthew Boulanger

published in 'Transactions of the American Nuclear Society', 2006

Throughout northeastern North America, stone tools
and flakes are some of the most commonly encounteredmore Throughout northeastern North America, stone tools
and flakes are some of the most commonly encountered
Native American artifact types. Strongly acidic soils and
harsh freeze-thaw cycles have conspired to destroy the
more-fragile artifacts useful for studying prehistoric
cultures. The identification of stone sources is therefore
an essential step in the construction of hypotheses about
trade routes, ethnic areas, and migrations. Despite the
potential significance of sourcing stone artifacts, most
archaeologists in the Northeast rely on visual
identification as the primary method of stone
identification. Although visual identification is useful in a
general sense, it does not address the complex geology of
the New England in general, and the State of Vermont in
particular.

A Preliminary Study on the Suitability of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) for Identifying Hathaway Formation Chert from the Northern Champlain Valley of Vermont

by Matthew Boulanger

published in 'Archaeology of Eastern North America', 2005

This preliminary study provides an overview of the Hathaway formation chert of the Champlain Valley, as well as two... more This preliminary study provides an overview of the Hathaway formation chert of the Champlain Valley, as well as two Native American quarries that are located within it. Using geochemical analysis the authors attempt to determin the most likely source of debitage recovered at a nearby lithic scatter. The resulting conclusion is examined from a geographic standpoint, and the authors propose the existence of a natural travel corridor connecting two high-resource-yield areas, the lithic scatter, and the known quarry district. This testable hypothesis helps to explain the existence, location, and cultural significance of the lithic scatters in the area, and provides direction for future research.

Analysis of an Obsidian Biface Reportedly Found in the Connecticut River Valley of Vermont

by Matthew Boulanger

pubished in 'Archaeology of Eastern North America', 2007

An obsidian biface reportedly found in the Connecticut River valley of Vermont is the only currently locatable... more An obsidian biface reportedly found in the Connecticut River valley of Vermont is the only currently locatable obsidian artifact purported to have been found in Northern New England.  As such, it may be evidence for prehistoric long-distance exchange, a product of modern- or historic-period trade among artifact collectors, or it may be a modern replica. Four criteria are outlined to assess the artifact's authenticity as a product of prehistoric trade: provenience, cultural affiliation, age, and geological source. Archaeological provenience of the biface is vague and not testable. Geochemical assays demonstrate that the point is made from obsidian originating in the Great Basin. Measurement of an obsidian-hydration rim indicates that the point was made prehistorically. Typological analysis is ambiguous: The point may be assigned to types defined in northern New England or the Great Basin. The biface therefore cannot be considered authentic evidence for prehistoric long-distance exchange, and future claims of extremely long-distance trade must consider alternative explanations for the presence of obsidian artifacts in New England.

Glimpses of Ancient Norwalk and Wilton

by Timothy Ives

published by Archaeological and Historical Services, Inc. (2011)

This booklet provides a glimpse of the ancient and changing landscape of Norwalk and Wilton (Connecticut) as informed... more This booklet provides a glimpse of the ancient and changing landscape of Norwalk and Wilton (Connecticut) as informed by the archaeological investigation of Site 103-49. In doing so, it highlights the value of the land as a cultural resource and provides an example of how professional archaeology operates in the State of Connecticut.

Note: This booklet reports on CT Archaeological Site No. 103-49, a multicomponent site that yielded a Paleoindian lithic assemblage.

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.

The Stones Throw Site: A Late Paleoindian Site in East-Central New Hampshire

by Timothy Ives

published in Northeast Anthropology, Vol.71 (Spring 2006)

Recent archaeological investigations in Tamworth, New Hampshire identified a small Late Paleoindian site designated... more Recent archaeological investigations in Tamworth, New Hampshire identified a small Late Paleoindian site designated the Stones Throw Site. It is spatially defined by a small, low-density distribution of rhyolite debitage reflecting channel flake removal and late-stage bifacial thinning. A broken lanceolate preform was recovered adjacent to a probable hearth remnant 14C dated to ca. 8800 B.P. Site data substantiates the use of channel flaking technology in New England during the early Holocene and reflects a persistent pattern of regional mobility involving north-south travel through the White Mountains.

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.

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.

1990 Iroquoian Societies in Southern Ontario: Introduction and Historical Overview

by David G. Smith

IN "The Archaeology of Southern Ontario to A.D. 1650", edited by C.Ellis & N. Ferris, pp.279-290. London, Ont.: London Chapter, Ontario Archaeological Society.

Archaeology of the New Brunswick Sector of Gespegewagig

by Kevin Leonard

Unpublished manuscript on file at Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Secretariat, Listuguj, Quebec.

Document available courtesy of Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Secretariat, Listuguj, Quebec.

A summary of First Nations culture history in northern New Brunswick, Canada, based on review of existing literature... more A summary of First Nations culture history in northern New Brunswick, Canada, based on review of existing literature and artifacts. Prepared in 2002 at the request of the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Secretariat, Listuguj, Quebec. Sites and artifacts from the Tracadie River westward to the Restigouche River provide a basis for examining local culture history during the Holocene.

Change and Continuity, Practice and Memory: Native American persistence in colonial New England

by Stephen Silliman

Published in: American Antiquity [2009]

Complexities of Consumption

by Stephen Silliman

Co-authored with Thomas A. Witt. Published in: Historical Archaeology [2010].

Complex pedostratigraphy of a terrace fragipan at the Memorial Park site, central Pennsylvania

by John P. Hart

Co-aothored with D. L. Cremeens & R. G. Darmody, Geoarchaeology, 1998

A fragipan (Bxb horizon) encountered during the excavation of a multicomponent archaeological site buried on an... more A fragipan (Bxb horizon) encountered during the excavation of a multicomponent archaeological site buried on an alluvial terrace in central Pennsylvania was evaluated to determine the degree of development, pedostratigraphy, and age. Based on the horizon thickness, and the degree of development of adjacent horizons, we believe that the fragipan was weakly developed. Two to three buried A horizons (Ab) occurred within the Bxb, thus, the fragipan formed in a cumulative, or fluvent, type alluvial landscape and postdates the Ab horizons overprinted by it. The buried soils were associated with stratified cultural remains. Artifact and radiocarbon ages indicate that the fragipan formed in the last 4500 years. Fragipan-containing soils on alluvial terraces should be investigated for buried soils and associated stratified cultural remains overprinted by subsequent pedogenesis.

Another Look at "Clemson’s Island"

by John P. Hart

Northeast Anthropology, 1999

Archaeological sites assigned to the "Clemson’s Island" complex have great potential to be used to address... more Archaeological sites assigned to the "Clemson’s Island" complex have great potential to be used to address issues of early Late Prehistoric (circa A.D. 750 to A.D. 1250) subsistence and settlement evolution in the Susquehanna River basin. During the 1980s, and into the 1990s, much effort was expended in attempts to identify a coherent set of common stylistic and functional attributes to define the Clemson’s Island taxon and adaptive type. These efforts culminated in a state plan for Clemson’s Island by Hay et al. (1987) and a widely read and referenced synthesis by Stewart (1990, 1994). Despite these efforts, Clemson’s Island remains somewhat enigmatic; there is much stylistic and functional variation that defies ready classification within the constructs of a culture-historic taxon or adaptive type. This variation, however, is critical to the identification and explanation of subsistence and settlement evolution. Future Clemson’s Island research should be geared toward identification of variation rather than the search for commonalties.

Peopling the Place, Placing the People: An Archaeology of Brothertown Discourse

by Craig Cipolla

Craig N. Cipolla
2012 Peopling the Place, Placing the People: An Archaeology of Brothertown Discourse. Ethnohistory 59(1):51-78.

“Brothertown” was the name given a multitribal Christian settlement of English-speaking native peoples that was... more “Brothertown” was the name given a multitribal Christian settlement of English-speaking native peoples that was founded in the late eighteenth century. In this essay I explore the give-and-take of social identity from the perspective of written correspondence between Brothertown Indians and outsiders, both Indian and Euroamerican. I focus specifically on the name Brothertown, tracing its emergence and transformation through time and assessing its importance in the unfolding of Brothertown history. Shifting uses of the name speak to social identity as negotiated between authors and addressees, while broader considerations of the name within the politics of colonial North America reveal the centrality of ethnonymy and other modes of reference in shaping colonial interactions.