MOBILITY AND LANDUSE PATTERNS OF THE CODY COMPLEX IN SASKATCHEWAN

Abstract

The Cody Complex is a late Paleo-Indian complex found throughout the Great Plains of North America. In Saskatchewan, material of the complex is mostly found as surface finds and therefore out of its original context. In situ Cody Complex material has only been recovered from three excavated sites in Saskatchewan. While various archaeologists (professional and avocational) have collected and recorded Cody material from surface finds throughout the province, the results of their efforst have not been widely disseminated. These issues have led to a situation in which little is known about the Cody Complex in Saskatchewan. This thesis attempts to begin correcting this problem, firstly by acting as a reference source by compiling as much information as possible on the Cody Complex material found throughout Saskatchewan. Included in these reference materials are pictures, measurements and find locations of the projectile points and Cody knives whenever such information is available. Secondly an attempt is made to determine possible Cody Complex mobility and landuse patterns within the province. Mobility and landuse patterns were determined based on the lithic material types used to make the Cody Complex projectile points and Cody knives. In particular the find locations of various specimens was compared to where the material could be acquired. Cody Complex projectile points and the associated knives were focused on due to most Cody Complex material in the province being surface collected. Based on the lithic types used to create these tools, the Cody Complex people in Saskatchewan were practicing a highly mobile and non-local landuse pattern, with a particular focus of interactions with more southern areas such as the Knife River Flint quarry area of North Dakota.