Pronghorn procurement on the northern plains : a case for small-scale hunting
Date
2005-05
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Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
In general, when an archaeologist addresses the issue of faunal procurement on the Plains, especially the northern Plains, the model used entails the communal hunting of
bison. The non-communal procurement of a secondary prey species is frequently
overlooked by Plains archaeologists. It is the intent of this thesis to present a pronghorn
procurement strategy that aligns itself with the current archaeological evidence, gathered
from across the northern Plains.
Based on the abundance of Wyoming and Great Basin communal pronghorn
procurement features, along with a single northern Plains trapping structure, the
procurement of pronghorn is often regarded as a communal undertaking. However, a
review of the site literature reveals that archaeological pronghorn remains are present in
small quantities in numerous habitation sites situated throughout their prehistoric range.
In addition, evidence for pronghorn kill sites on the northern Plains is minimal at
present. This leaves one to ponder the question; why are small quantities of pronghorn
remains present in campsites across the northern Plains?
The first part of this thesis addresses the above question through the examination of
the unique behavioural and morphological characteristics of the pronghorn, as well as
bow and arrow technology. This is undertaken in order to demonstrate the suitability of
both the pronghorn and the aboriginal hunting technology to small-scale procurement. In
addition ethnographic, historic and archaeological data concerning pronghorn
procurement on the northern Plains are presented in a framework that allows for a
revision of prevailing models concerning this activity. In addition, small-scale and
communal procurement is analyzed within the theoretical framework of optimal
foraging theory. This provides evidence that the small-scale hunting of pronghorn was
an efficient hunting strategy and therefore it is reasonable to assume that it was practiced
prehistorically.
The remainder of this thesis addresses a secondary, yet relevant, question involving
the lack of visibility of pronghorn remains in the archaeological record. If pronghorn
were an obtainable and useful secondary resource then why are such small quantities of
bone present at archaeological sites situated within ideal pronghorn habitat? This
question is explored within the context of bone survivorship. With both cultural and
non-cultural reasons for the differential preservation of pronghorn remains being
outlined. Specifically, carnivore attrition, weathering and trampling are explored as
possible non-cultural agents that affect the archaeological visibility of pronghorn
assemblages. Cultural processes include primary/secondary butchering and processing
strategies as well as carcass transportation decisions are also investigated. In addition,
the pronghorn assemblages from EbPi-75 and D1Ou-72 are statistically tested to
determine if bone density has any correlation to element frequency.
Finally, the two recently excavated northern Plains pronghorn assemblages from
EbPi-75 and D1Ou-72 are analyzed and compared to the existing body of archaeological
research from the northern Plains, High Plains, and the Wyoming Basin. From this
comparison and the thesis research in general, a new model for pronghorn procurement
is developed that better suits the northern Plains archaeological record to date.
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Degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Department
Archaeology
Program
Archaeology