The Heron collection : Antelope Creek and Miry Creek sites, southwestern Saskatchewan
Date
2003
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ORCID
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Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
This research involves the analysis of artifacts from two sites in southwestern Saskatchewan with the primary focus on the analysis of precontact/protohistoric pottery. The Antelope Creek site (EeOc-2) is located on the South Saskatchewan River at the mouth of Antelope Creek, and the Miry Creek site (EeOc-5) is approximately 15 km upstream at the mouth of Miry Creek. These artifacts, which are part of the Heron collection, provided a valuable source of information about the regional archaeology of southwestern Saskatchewan. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of each of the Antelope Creek and Miry Creek site vessels will allow for future comparisons between the ceramics from these and other sites.
The Antelope Creek site contains artifacts diagnostic of the Middle Precontact to Historic periods. Pottery consistent with Besant, Avonlea, Old Women's, and Mortlach assemblages has been identified. Bone and lithic tools typical of habitation sites were present, and several unique artifacts including an incised tablet and smoking pipes were also recovered.
The Miry Creek site collection contains Mortlach and Old Women's cultural materials and a sparse quantity of Avonlea, Besant, and Middle Precontact period projectile points. Numerous artifacts relating to the fur trade and homestead eras are also present. AMS dates on food residue from two Mortlach vessels suggest the Mortlach component dates to the Protohistoric period. The presence of fur trade items and metal saw marks on several bone tools supports this designation.
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Degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Department
Archaeology
Program
Archaeology