Big Hole (41TV2161): Two Stratigraphically Isolated Middle Holocene Components in Travis County, Texas Volume I

During April and May 2006, an archeological team from the Cultural Resources Section of the Planning, Permitting and Licensing Practice of TRC Environmental Corporation’s (TRC) Austin office conducted geoarcheological documentation and data recovery excavations at prehistoric site 41TV2161 (CSJ: 0440-06-006). Investigations were restricted to a 70 centimeter (cm) thick target zone between ca. 220 and 290 cm below surface (bs) on the western side of site 41TV2161 – the Big Hole site in eastern Travis County, Texas. This cultural investigation was necessary under the requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the implementing regulations of 36CRF Part 800 and the Antiquities Code of Texas (Texas Natural Resource Code, Title 9, Chapter 191 as amended) to recover a sample of the significant cultural materials prior to destruction by planned construction of State Highway 130 (SH 130). The latter by a private construction firm – Lone Star Infrastructure. This necessary data recovery was for Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Environmental (ENV) Affairs Division under a Scientific Services Contract No. 577XXSA003 (Work Authorization No. 57701SA003). Over the years since the original award, multiple work authorizations between TxDOT and TRC were implemented and completed towards specific aspects of the analyses and reporting. The final analyses and report were conducted under contract 57-3XXSA004 (Work Authorization 57-311SA004). All work was under Texas Antiquities Committee Permit No. 4064 issued by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to J. Michael Quigg. Initially, an archeological crew from Hicks & Company encountered site 41TV2161 during an intensive cultural resource inventory conducted south of Pearce Lane along the planned construction zone of SH 130 in the fall of 2005. Following the initial site discovery, archeologists expanded their investigations to the west across the SH 130 right-of-way, and completed excavation of 10 backhoe trenches, 13 shovel tests, and 11 test units at site 41TV2161. The investigations encountered at least seven buried cultural features and 1,034 artifacts, some in relatively good context. The survey and testing report to TxDOT presented their findings and recommendations (Campbell et al. 2006). The ENV Affairs Division of TxDOT and the THC reviewed the initial findings and recommendations, and determined site 41TV2161 was eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and as State Antiquities Landmark as the proposed roadway development was to directly impact this important site and further excavations were required. Subsequently, TRC archeologists led by Paul Matchen (Project Archeologist) and J. Michael Quigg (Principal Investigator) initiated data recovery excavations through the mechanical-removal of between 220 and 250 cm of sediment from a 30-by-40 meter (m) block area (roughly 3,000 m3). This was conducted to allow hand-excavations to start just above the deeply buried, roughly 70 cm thick targeted zone of cultural material. Mechanical stripping by Lone Star Infrastructure staff created a large hole with an irregular bottom that varied between 220 and 260 cmbs. To locate specific areas to initiate hand-excavations within the mechanically stripped area, a geophysical survey that employed ground penetrating radar (GPR) was conducted by Tiffany Osburn then with Geo-Marine in Plano, Texas. Over a dozen electronic anomalies were detected through the GPR investigation. Following processing, data filtering, and assessment, Osburn identified and ranked the anomalies for investigation. The highest ranked anomalies (1 through 8) were thought to have the greatest potential to represent cultural features. Anomalies 1 through 6 were selected and targeted through hand-excavations of 1-by-1 m units that formed continuous excavation blocks of various sizes. Blocks were designated A, B, C, D, E, and F. The type, nature, quantity, and context of encountered cultural materials in each block led the direction and expansion of each excavation block as needed. In total, TRC archeologists hand-excavated 38.5 m3 (150 m2) from a vertically narrow target zone within this deep, multicomponent and stratified prehistoric site. Hand-excavation in the two largest Blocks, B and D (51 m2 and 62 m2 respectively), revealed two vertically separate cultural components between roughly 220 and 290 cmbs. The younger component was restricted to Block B and yielded a Bell/Andice point and point base, plus a complete Big Sandy point. These points were associated with at least eight small burned rock features, one cluster of ground stone tools, limited quantities of lithic debitage, few formal chipped and ground stone tools, and a rare vertebrate faunal assemblage. Roughly 20 to 25 cm below the Bell/Andice component in Block B and across Block D was a component identified by a single corner-notched Martindale dart point. This point was associated with a scattered burned rocks, three charcoal stained hearth features, scattered animal, bird, and fish bones, mussel shells, and less than a dozen formal chipped and ground stone tools. Both identified components contained cultural materials in good stratigraphic context with high spatial integrity. Significant, both were radiocarbon dated by multiple charcoal samples to a narrow 200-year period between 5250 and 5450 B.P. during the middle Holocene. With exception of the well-preserved faunal assemblages, perishable materials were poorly preserved in the moist silty clay loam. Charcoal lacked structure and was reduced to dark stains. Microfossils (e.g., phytoliths and starch gains) were present, although in very limited numbers and deteriorated conditions. The four much smaller Blocks (A, C, E, and F) yielded various quantities of cultural material and features, but these blocks also lacked sufficient charcoal dates and diagnostic artifacts Those artifacts and samples were left unassigned and analyzed separately from the Bell/Andice and Martindale components. The two well-defined components in Blocks B and D are the focus of this technical report. The components provide very significant data towards understanding rare and poorly understood hunter-gatherer populations during late stages of the Altithermal climate period. This final report builds upon the interim report submitted to TxDOT (Quigg et al. 2007) that briefly described the methods, excavations, preliminary findings, initial results from six feasibility studies, and proposed an initial research design for data analyses. Context and integrity of the cultural materials in the two identified components was excellent. This rare circumstance combined with detailed artifact analyses, solid documentation of their ages through multiple radiocarbon dates, and multidisciplinary approach to analyses, allowed significant insights and contributions concerning the two populations involved. Results provide a greater understanding of human behaviors during a rarely identified time in Texas Prehistory. The cultural materials and various collected samples were temporarily curated at TRC’s Austin laboratory. Following completion of analyses and acceptance of this final report, the artifacts, paper records, photographs, and electronic database were permanently curated at the Center for Archaeological Studies (CAS) at Texas State University in San Marcos

Animal residues found on tiny Lower Paleolithic tools reveal their use in butchery

Stone tools provide a unique window into the mode of adaptation and cognitive abilities of Lower Paleolithic early humans. The persistently produced large cutting tools (bifaces/handaxes) have long been an appealing focus of research in the reconstruction of Lower Paleolithic survival strategies, at the expenses of the small flake tools considered by-products of the stone production process rather than desired end products. Here, we use use-wear, residues and technological analyses to show direct and very early evidence of the deliberate production and use of small flakes for targeted stages of the prey butchery process at the late Lower Paleolithic Acheulian site of Revadim, Israel. We highlight the significant role of small flakes in Lower Paleolithic adaptation alongside the canonical large handaxes. Our results demonstrate the technological and cognitive flexibility of early human groups in the Levant and beyond at the threshold of the departure from Lower Paleolithic lifeways

Functional comparisons between formal and informal tools sampled from the Nenana and the Denali assemblages of the Dry Creek Site

Thesis (M.A.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2015This research involved low powered microscopic analysis of usewear patterns on the utilized edges of formal and informal tools sampled from the Nenana component (C1) and the Denali component (C2) of the Dry Creek Site. Dry Creek is one of the type sites for the Nenana Complex, which is often contrasted with the Denali Complex in Late Pleistocene archaeological studies of central Alaska (12,000-10,000 B.P.). There are twice as many unifacial scrapers than bifacial tools in the C1 formal tool assemblage. The C1 worked lithic assemblage contains a relatively high number of unifacially worked endscrapers and side scrapers when compared to the number of bifacial knife and point technology. The technological makeup of the formal tools sampled from the Denali component is characterized by the manufacture and use of a higher number of bifacial knives and projectile points. The presence of microblades within C2 and the absence of microblades in C1 are often cited as the most significant technological difference between these two tool kits. The analysis presented here suggests that with or without microblades, the Nenana and Denali components are different tool kits. However, differences in utilization signatures between formal bifacial knives and scrapers tools indicate that technological variability within C1 and C2 at Dry Creek may largely be shaped by early hunting and butchering versus later stage butchering and processing activities

Bladelet Polish: a lithic analysis of Spracklen (33GR1585), an upland Hopewell campsite

This thesis builds upon recent investigations at Spracklen (33GR1585), a small upland site in Greene County, Ohio. The presence of non-local cherts, bladelets, and bladelet cores indicates a Middle Woodland Ohio Hopewell occupation. Raw material sourcing, debitage analyses, and a use-wear analysis uncovered that Spracklen functioned as a logistical hunting campsite. Its people utilized bladelets for butchery and hide-working processes. This information provides new insights into Hopewellian life in the uplands and its place within Hopewell community organization

An Analysis of Lithic Debitage From Mound C at the Winterville Mounds Archaeological Site (22WS500)

The Winterville Mounds, located in Northwest Mississippi, was once home to one of the largest chiefdoms in the Southeast. It served as a both a religious and political center and housed the ruling class atop its twenty-three manmade mounds. Recent excavation on Mound C at Winterville has uncovered an unusually large quantity of lithic artifacts. In an effort to shed light on the presence of such utilitarian tools where elites resided, this study utilized individual flake analysis on 830 pieces of lithic debitage, including cores, flakes, shatter, and tools. After documenting significant evidence of early through late stage lithic reduction as well as use-wear on many artifacts, I suggest that curated lithic production and domestic activities were taking place atop Mound C

Late Prehistoric Technology, Quartzite Procurement, and Land Use in the Upper Gunnison Basin, Colorado: View from Site 5GN1.2

This thesis presents the results from archaeological test excavations at site 5GN1.2. The focus of this research is to evaluate Stiger\u27s Late Prehistoric settlement-subsistence hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, post-3000 B.P. occupations of the Upper Gunnison Basin were limited to logistically organized big-game hunting forays originating from residential camps located outside of the basin. Since Stiger\u27s model is based on Binford\u27s forager-collector continuum model, archaeological test implications of his hypothesis include hunter-gatherer settlement mobility, site types, feature types, artifact assemblage characteristics, and the organization of lithic technology. Test excavations at 5GN1.2 revealed intact archaeological deposits reflecting aboriginal occupation during the Late Prehistoric between about 3000 and 1300 B.P. Late Prehistoric features include four hearths associated with abundant debitage, small-game faunal remains, burnt seeds, and lithic tools. Identified lithic tools include ground stone, projectile point fragments, cores, and bifaces. Individual flake attribute analysis of the debitage assemblage provides evidence lithic reduction activities were dominated by bifacial reduction of local and non-local raw materials. Archaeological evidence rules out site 5GN1.2 as a Late Prehistoric logistical big-game hunting site. Site 5GN1.2 contains all the hallmarks of a residential base camp, including constructed hearths, rock art, evidence of plant resource processing, small-game procurement, comparatively high tool diversity, high proportion of locally available tool-stone, late-stage tool manufacture, and tool maintenance debitage. Site 5GN1.2 likely served as a short-term residential base camp occupied by whole family groups during the Late Prehistoric. The Late Prehistoric occupations of site 5GN1.2 represent a more diverse settlement-subsistence adaptation than envisioned by Stiger\u27s culture history. Some hunter-gatherers may have occupied the UGB on long-range logistical big-game hunting forays, but at 5GN1.2 this is simply not the case. This lithic technology research project represents the first published comprehensive debitage analysis of an archaeological component at 5GN1.2 and 5GN1. These results and data can serve as a database for later archaeological research within the UGB

National Register and State Archaeological Landmark Testing for the Austin Independent School District’s Additional 2.7 Acre Access Road Project, Travis County, Texas

In accordance with the Antiquities Code of Texas (13TAC26) and the National Historic Preservation Act (36CFR800), and the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) written recommendations on December 20, 2012, GTI Environmental, LLC (GTI) presents in this report the results of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and State Archaeological Landmark (SAL) testing investigations. The hand excavated 1 x 1 meter test unit investigation and report was prepared for the Austin Independent School District’s (AISD) Additional 2.7 Acre Access Road Project associated with its 27.36 Acre New Bus Terminal Project and 8 Acre Access Road Project in Travis County, Texas. GTI prepared and submitted an Antiquities Permit Application and Research Design to the Texas Historical Commission (THC) in accordance with 13TAC26.21(d). The THC issued Antiquities Permit No. 6450 to GTI for the SAL testing investigation. The THC is also known as the State Historic Preservation Office (THC/Tx-SHPO), which reviews federal Undertakings. The Additional 2.7 Acre Access Road Project is a federal Undertaking, because the access road crosses an unnamed tributary of Boggy Creek, which requires consideration and review by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The testing investigation conforms to the National Historic Preservation Act (NRHP) requirement to assess effects a federal Undertaking [36CFR800.16(y)] may have to Historic Properties (36CFR800.5). The AISD 27.36 Acre Bus Terminal Project, 8 Acre Access Road Project, and the 2.7 Acre Additional Access Road Project, is considered the overall direct Area of Potential Effect (APE), in accordance with 36CFR800.16(d). GTI conducted the fieldwork from February 6, 2013 through February 14, 2013. The research design proposed five to ten test units within the Additional 2.7 Acre Access Road Project APE. In accordance with 13TAC26.21(d), THC/TX-SHPO guidance was sought prior to research design preparation, and the agency recommended that the Principal Investigator consult with them regarding the total number of test units to be excavated during fieldwork in an effort to exhaust the research potential at 41TV2408 or conduct less than the proposed maximum 10 test units if the results of excavations were less than anticipated [Personal Communication 2012: Bill Martin November 29, 2012]. GTI consulted with THC/TX-SHPO on February 14, 2013 and February 19, 2013. A total of six test units were excavated. The test unit grid was established in a north south axis that would provide a cross sectional profile of the east-west access road alignment. The grid’s north south axis was along the topographic toe-slope where the artifacts were more abundant and the soil was the deepest. Archaeologists encountered a single feature in Test Unit 2 and Test Unit6 at the southern boundary of the project APE. A one gallon soil sample was obtained from Test Unit 2 hearth feature. Neither faunal (bones), nor charcoal was visible after screening the soil sample and flotation based on examination through an Olympus microscope that matched the amounts required for AMS dating; i.e. radio carbon dating requires at least 15 to 20 milligrams. Archaeologists attempted to excavate a 1x2 meter unit east and adjacent to Shovel Test 4 (Iruegas 2013) that indicated the deepest part of the prehistoric midden. A large rodent borrow was present further east of the 1x2m test unit. Excavations in Test Unit 4 established that this area of the midden was intact based on the discovery of a scrapper lying flat on a surface with other flat lying burned rock near the bottom of Level 1. During excavation of Test Unit 4 at Level 3, archaeologists encountered a large cavity associated with the rodent borrows that was at least 40 cm deep and comprised at least 60 percent of Test Unit 4. The buried prehistoric cultural midden deposit evident in Shovel Test 4 during the survey had been truncated by the rodent burrow and compromised the data in this area of the project APE. In consultation with Mr. Brad Jones of THC on Feb. 14, 2013, it was decided to terminate Test Unit 4 and excavate another test unit in the northern area of the project APE and another test unit where the hearth feature was documented. Our efforts resulted in a 1x2 meter unit (Test Unit 2 and Test Unit 6). We encountered bedrock in each test unit, except Test Unit 4, within the first three 10 cm Levels. Archaeologists encountered a very high frequency of lithics and dispersed burned rock in the test units, but no evidence of bones, diagnostic artifacts, such as arrow heads, dart points or projectile points, or datable organic charcoal material Based on the intact hearth feature in Test Unit 2 at the southern end of the project APE, it is highly probable that other hearth features and cultural deposits are present and intact along the toe-slope outside the project APE. Because of the lack of diagnostic artifacts, bone samples, and organic charcoal samples, the wide range of cultural and scientific resources considered in the research design could not be addressed. In general, the cultural assemblage recovered from the test units was less productive than anticipated 13TAC26.21(d)(C) that would warrant mitigation. It is GTI’s Principal Investigator’s opinion that the portion of 41TV2408 within AISD’s Additional 2.7 Acre Access Road Project APE is not worthy for SAL designation or eligible for listing in the NRHP. The site’s (41TV2408) worthiness for designation as a SAL or eligibility for listing in the NRHP outside the project APE is unknown. GTI recommends that the project may proceed as planned provided no additional acreage is required for the AISD Access Road Project. If additional land is required, AISD should consult with the THC regarding the need for further NRHP and SAL testing

Lithic Analysis at the JJ Site: USFS #09-09-05-949, Lake County, Minnesota

Knife Lake and Knife Lake Siltstone have long been associated with Minnesota’s Paleoindian tradition, until OSL dates revealed Early Archaic, Middle Archaic, and Middle Woodland occupations at the JJ site. This thesis reviews the results of the OSL dates, and then uses lithic and statistical analysis to aid interpretations of multiple cultural occupations at the JJ site, specifically through the lens of technological change. Adding data to the use of Knife Lake Siltstone during the Woodland tradition can add to the understanding of how and when this material was used through time

The George C. Davis Site, Cherokee County, Texas: Spring 1980 Archeological Investigations

The results of archeological investigations in portions of the George C. Davis Site are presented in this report prepared by Ross Fields and J. Peter Thurmond . Stringent contract requirements and the provisions of Texas Antiquities Permit No. 237 dictate that this report be brief and descriptive in nature. Requirements such as inclusion of a detailed site investigation history and environmental data were excluded and extensive excavations were stressed in preference to detailed analyses and comparisons. Field investigations were limited by contract to 20 working days and the analysis/write-up to 10 working days. The governing research design was prepared by the Texas Antiquities Committee staff to reflect agreements between the Committee and the Texas Forest Service. Sighificant findings include the general delineation of extensive, and in places intensive, Archaic and Late Prehistoric occupations. Of primary importance is the lack of an identifiable Alto Focus occupation within the northern portion of the Davis Site. This suggests that the small left bank tributary to Bowles Creek existed during Alto Focus times and served as a natural boundary for the village area during that period of site usage. There are hints that significant variations in the selection and use of lithic resources through time are identifiable. It is indeed ! unfortunate that time limitations precluded pursuit of this line of investigation. Ross and Pete have successfully accomplished a most challenging task under less than ideal conditions. They and their field crew are commended for their outstanding work at the Davis Site