Review of \u3ci\u3e Ice Age Peoples of North America: Environments, Origins, and Adaptations of the First Americans\u3c/i\u3e Edited by Robson Bonnichsen and Karen L. Turnmire

This collection of nineteen articles presents up-to-date regional or topical syntheses of the best data relating to the last Ice Age inhabitants in Northeast Asia, Beringia, and North America. Many of the papers were given in 1989 at the First World Summit, sponsored by the Center for the Study of the First Americans at the University of Maine. Authors were given the opportunity to update their syntheses to include new finds in their regions during the decade between the Summit and the book\u27s publication, though some contributors waived the opportunity

Review of \u3ci\u3e Ice Age Peoples of North America: Environments, Origins, and Adaptations of the First Americans\u3c/i\u3e Edited by Robson Bonnichsen and Karen L. Turnmire

This collection of nineteen articles presents up-to-date regional or topical syntheses of the best data relating to the last Ice Age inhabitants in Northeast Asia, Beringia, and North America. Many of the papers were given in 1989 at the First World Summit, sponsored by the Center for the Study of the First Americans at the University of Maine. Authors were given the opportunity to update their syntheses to include new finds in their regions during the decade between the Summit and the book\u27s publication, though some contributors waived the opportunity

The San Antonio River Mammoth Site: Archaeological Testing Investigations for the Interstate 37 Bridge at the San Antonio River Improvement Project, Bexar County, Texas

On behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted test excavations on the San Antonio River Mammoth site (41BX1239) and 41BX1240 and surveys in the area of potential effects (APE) of the Interstate Highway (IH) 37 bridge project at the San Antonio River in southeastern Bexar County, Texas. Work was initiated to address the requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (1966) as Amended and the Antiquities Code of Texas. The purpose of the investigations was to identify, delineate, and evaluate the significance of all archaeological and historic properties potentially affected by the undertaking and, if warranted, recommend the scope of additional work. Of particular concern, site 41BX1239 contains the remains of at least two mammoths with possible evidence of cultural association based on the initial investigations by Texas A&M in 1997. However, subsequent faunal analysis, conducted by Olga Potapova and Larry D. Agenbroad of the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, North Dakota, found inconclusive evidence for definite or valid cultural modification to the specimens studied. The testing investigations on the San Antonio River Mammoth site included the re-exposure of the original Texas A&M 1997 site trench; limited hand-excavated units to further assess the prior interpretations of the deposits and recover a sample of bone; and a detailed geomorphological assessment. The work identified a bone bed consisting of the remains of at least two mammoths. Flotation of recovered sediments from these hand excavations identified flakes of siliceous material that are consistent with micro-debitage produced by the use and retouch of stone tools. Although at the highest thresholds of certainty, the cumulative evidence is likely yet insufficient to conclusively prove human interaction with the mammoth remains, the additional data gathered herein lend some credence to the prior interpretation of the site as archaeological rather than strictly paleontological. Concurring with the previous determination, the site is considered eligible for inclusion to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and for listing as a State Archeological Landmark (SAL). However, the investigations determined the site deposits are located outside the APE of the current undertaking, and therefore the project will not affect deposits associated with the San Antonio River Mammoth site. The investigations of 41BX1240 identified only a very sparse scatter of primarily surficial materials in a heavily disturbed context with no associated features or diagnostic materials. Accordingly, the site is not recommended as eligible for listing on the NRHP or for designation as a SAL. The survey identified no new archaeological sites. Based on the avoidance of 41BX1239, it is SWCA’s recommendation that no archaeological properties will be affected by the IH 37 bridge rehabilitation

Constructing the Cooper Model of Folsom Bison Kills on the Southern Plains

The Cooper model postulates that a dichotomy exists in the size and seasonality of bison kill sites from the Folsom age (10,800- 10,200 years ago). This dichotomy is a result of changing settlement and subsistence patterns, from population aggregation in the late summer and early fall for large-scale kills, to a dispersed pattern with small bison kills during all other seasons. Attendant to the change in human population aggregation and number of bison harvested are changes in bison butchering techniques, choice of camp location, and ritual activity. It is postulated that ritual activity of an aggregated group is manifest in the painted bison skull at Cooper. The evidence in support of the Cooper model is presented in summary form

TAKING THE MEASURE OF A MARK: EXPLORATORY SIZE AND SHAPE ANALYSIS OF CUT MARKS

A database of 128 measured incised butchery marks (i.e., the classic cut mark) was the basis for exploratory statistical tests of length and width measurements from late Pleistocene mammoth localities and an early Holocene bison locality. The tests reveal several trends. The initial approach uses univariate descriptive statistics, regression, and ANOVA to examine differences in size and shape of marks. Significant differences are noted in length and width of marks based on location, element, and type. Length and width variables demonstrate low variability within incised marks. Results demonstrate a consistency in incised marks across the two taxa. Other consistencies are noted that indicate a regular or standardized way of producing marks in particular places on bones and on particular elements. Location or placement of marks appears to influence mark length, and in general, mark width is constrained. Mark orientation can at times influence mark length. Shape of mark ends may be related to the type of tool and size of tool bit. Using a morphometric approach (size and shape) removes some of the subjectivity in evaluating marks on a visual basis. While exploratory in nature, this morphometric approach crosscuts time and space boundaries and should be applicable to any bone assemblage

Remote, Rugged Field Scenarios for Archaeology and the Field Sciences: Object Avoidance and 3D Flight Planning with sUAS Photogrammetry

Advances built into recent sUASs (drones) offer a compelling possibility for field-based data collection in logistically challenging and GPS-denied environments. sUASs-based photogrammetry generates 3D models of features and landscapes, used extensively in archaeology as well as other field sciences. Until recently, navigation has been limited by the expertise of the pilot, as objects, like trees, and vertical or complex environments, such as cliffs, create significant risks to successful documentation. This article assesses sUASs’ capability for autonomous obstacle avoidance and 3D flight planning using data collection scenarios carried out in Black Mesa, Oklahoma. Imagery processed using commercial software confirmed that the collected data can build photogrammetric models suitable for general archaeological documentation. The results demonstrate that new capabilities in drones may open up new field environments previously considered inaccessible, too risky, or costly for fieldwork, especially for all but the most expert pilots. Emerging technologies for drone-based photogrammetry, such as the Skydio 2+ considered here, place remote, rugged terrain within reach of many archaeological research units in terms of commercial options and cost