SPATIAL AND FEATURE ANALYSIS OF THE WHITING SLOUGH SITE (ElNs-10): AN AVONLEA PROCESSING SITE IN SOUTH-CENTRAL SASKATCHEWAN

Abstract

This thesis discusses the overall function and description of features and activity areas for the Whiting Slough Site (ElNs-10). This is done by investigating the spatial relationships between various artifact groups to identify localized densities of activity. These artifact densities were then analyzed and interpreted to be specific activity areas within the larger processing events taking place at the site. The features found at the site were separated into various feature classes based on their attributes. In addition, the spatial relationship of these features to each other was assessed. The spatial analysis of the site employed ESRI’s ArcMap to assess and compare artifact density of different artifact groups. This facilitated identification of site function as well as identifying the specific areas of distinct processing events. As a result of this project the site was identified as an Avonlea processing site. However, this processing site has additional features that have not previously been seen in other Avonlea processing sites. There are a total of 43 different features that were discovered during excavation of the site. These are divided into four different feature types: bone-filled pits (39), hearths (2), a canid burial (1) and a soil stain (1). These features are accompanied by an additional seven potential bone-filled pits that were discovered during construction monitoring following excavation. These individual features combine to form two distinct ovoid feature groups that run parallel to one another. Potentially two more of these feature groups were partially unearthed during excavation and construction monitoring. These features are interpreted to be part of a drying rack. It is hypothesized within this thesis that these bone-filled pit features were created to counteract the difficulties with trying to anchor heavy loads of meat into the very loose sandy sediment that is present at the site. The Whiting Slough Site appears to be much different than any other Avonlea processing sites. The uniqueness of these features as well as the large amounts of artifacts, both faunal and lithic, make the Whiting Slough Site an interesting and important site for understanding the subsistence strategies and versatility of people within the Avonlea Phase.