The Meewasin Creek site (FbNp-9) : a re-examination of the terminal middle precontact period
Date
2009-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
The Meewasin Creek site (FbNp-9) is a multicomponent precontact site located within the confines of the Wanuskewin Heritage Park, three kilometres north of the city of Saskatoon. The University of Saskatchewan conducted field school excavations as part of a long term study by in conjunction with Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Excavations exposed over 40 m2 and 10 occupation levels. Cultural affiliations of the buried levels range from the McKean complex in the deeper levels, through Pelican Lake, Sandy Creek, Besant, Avonlea, and indeterminate components. Radiocarbon dates from four levels corroborate the time frame of the occupation levels. Research includes an analysis of artifacts, ecofacts and features from each cultural level to determine how the site was used in each time period.
The Terminal Middle Precontact period is a time of increased cultural complexity on the Northern Plains. This study focuses on the 2500 to 2000 B.P. time frame during which a number of cultural expressions are observed in the archaeological record including Pelican Lake, Sandy Creek, Besant, Plains Woodland, and previously un-named complexes. The archaeological remains recovered from Meewasin Creek are compared to a number of similarly aged sites in the Northern Plains including Mortlach, Sjovold, Walter Felt, as well as the single component Rocky Island site. By comparing the lithic and faunal assemblages at these key sites, we can draw a better view of the cultural systems present on the Northern Plains. From this benchmark we can form a more holistic cultural chronology on the Northern Plains, particularly in central Saskatchewan.
Description
Keywords
Precontact Archaeology, Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Middle Precontact Period
Citation
Degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Department
Archaeology
Program
Archaeology