Browsing by Subject "archaeology"

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The Archaeobiology of Bears and Bear Ceremonialism in Minnesota
(2019-12) Mather, David
American black bears (Ursus americanus) and brown/grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) are sacred animals to traditional members of the Dakota, Ojibwe, and other American Indian nations. This dissertation creates historic contexts for consideration of bears in Minnesota’s archaeological record, to aid indigenous archaeology and heritage management, and to provide a historical perspective for management of the state’s current black bear population. Archaeological sites in Minnesota contain occasional representations of bears in rock art, earthworks and portable art, and rare zooarchaeological finds of bear bones or teeth. In three cases, excavations have encountered large numbers of skull fragments representing dozens to hundreds of bears. Collectively these archaeological sites, features and artifacts are varied expressions of bear ceremonialism, within and beyond the scope described in the 1926 American Anthropologist article by A. Irving Hallowell. Minnesota is one of a few areas in the continental United States where black bears survived the pressures of overhunting and habitat loss in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Grizzly bears were once present on the Great Plains, including parts of Minnesota, but the closest living population today is in Yellowstone National Park. Minnesota bear finds are summarized for the Laurentian Mixed Forest, Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Tallgrass Aspen Parklands, and Prairie Parklands ecological provinces, as defined by the Ecological Classification System utilized by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, within the context of each provinces zooarchaeological record. The density of archaeological bear finds is greatest along the boundary between the Laurentian Mixed Forest and Eastern Broadleaf Forest. More detailed analysis was conducted on teeth from archaeological assemblages from the Christensen Mound (21SH1/16), Crace (21ML3) and Bear (21ML68) sites, with comparative analysis on recent black bear skulls of known life history from Chippewa National Forest. These studies allowed assessment of the age and sex structure of the bears at each site, indicating that while the assemblages appear superficially similar, different types of ceremonies are represented at each.
Archaeological Excavation at the Fish Lake Dam Site: Year 2000.
(Duluth: Center for Community and Regional Research, University of Minnesota. Archaeometry Laboratory Report No. 01-14., 2001) Mulholland, Susan
The Fish Lake Dam site (21 SL 15) is a multicomponent site on both banks of the Beaver River immediately downstream from the Fish Lake Reservoir. It is important in that the stratified layers of sediment have preserved archaeological materials from aU major cultural traditions in northeastern Minnesota; the potential for researching general questions of cultural sequences and activities make the site important. Excavations were conducted in 2000 as part of an on-going program of research, education, and cultural resource management. This third year builds on and adds to the information gathered from a series of projects. Year 2000 efforts focused on the terraces on the east bank of the Beaver River. A substantial Woodland Tradition component was uncovered, including a fire hearth where pottery firing seems to have occurred. Earlier Archaic materials were also recovered at greater depths, showing that this area as well as others excavated earlier have intact multicomponent deposits. A rock concentration at depth is unique at the site; further exploration is planned. The Fish Lake Dam site has much integrity of deposits in spite of early reports of disturbance by historic activities. The potential for research questions on many topics has been demonstrated with the invaluable assistance of volunteers and students. The project has successfully melded three components of archaeology - research, education, management - to retrieve significant data on the history of this region.
Bordes Biface Flake Models
(2016-06-28) Hunstiger, Matthew D; mdhunstiger@gmail.com; Hunstiger, Matthew D.
This dataset consists of flake models representing an experimental archaeological reduction. This Bordes Biface was knapped by the late French prehistorian and archaeologist François Bordes. It and its related flakes are housed at the University of Arizona's School of Anthropology. These models are of the flakes that were created, or knapped off, as Bordes made that biface. They were created for the purpose of studying scar directionality in archaeological chipped stone analysis, and formed part of the experimental side of a dissertation by Matthew D. Hunstiger.
Core 11 Discoidal Flake Models
(2016-07-05) Hunstiger, Matthew D; mdhunstiger@gmail.com; Hunstiger, Matthew D
This dataset consists of flake models representing an experimental archaeological reduction. This Core11 Discoidal reduction was knapped by Matthew D. Hunstiger. It and its related flakes are housed at the University of Minnesota's Department of Anthropology Evolutionary Anthropology Labs. These models are of the flakes that were created, or knapped off, as Hunstiger made that discoidal reduction. They were created for the purpose of studying scar directionality in archaeological chipped stone analysis, and formed part of the experimental side of a dissertation by Matthew D. Hunstiger.
Core 12 Discoidal Flake Models
(2016-07-05) Hunstiger, Matthew D; mdhunstiger@gmail.com; Hunstiger, Matthew D
This dataset consists of flake models representing an experimental archaeological reduction. This Core 12 Discoidal reduction was knapped by Matthew D. Hunstiger. It and its related flakes are housed at the University of Minnesota's Department of Anthropology Evolutionary Anthropology Labs. These models are of the flakes that were created, or knapped off, as Hunstiger made that discoidal reduction. They were created for the purpose of studying scar directionality in archaeological chipped stone analysis, and formed part of the experimental side of a dissertation by Matthew D. Hunstiger.
Core 2 Levallois Flake Models
(2016-07-05) Hunstiger, Matthew D; mdhunstiger@gmail.com; Hunstiger, Matthew D
This dataset consists of flake models representing an experimental archaeological reduction. This Core 2 Levallois reduction was knapped by Matthew D. Hunstiger. It and its related flakes are housed at the University of Minnesota's Department of Anthropology Evolutionary Anthropology Labs. These models are of the flakes that were created, or knapped off, as Hunstiger made the levallois reduction. They were created for the purpose of studying scar directionality in archaeological chipped stone analysis, and formed part of the experimental side of a dissertation by Matthew D. Hunstiger.
Core 3 Biface Flake Models
(2016-07-05) Hunstiger, Matthew D; mdhunstiger@gmail.com; Hunstiger, Matthew D
This dataset consists of flake models representing an experimental archaeological reduction. This Core 3 Biface was knapped by Matthew D. Hunstiger. It and its related flakes are housed at the University of Minnesota's Department of Anthropology Evolutionary Anthropology Labs. These models are of the flakes that were created, or knapped off, as Hunstiger made that biface. They were created for the purpose of studying scar directionality in archaeological chipped stone analysis, and formed part of the experimental side of a dissertation by Matthew D. Hunstiger.
Core 4 Levallois Flake Model
(2016-07-05) Hunstiger, Matthew D; mdhunstiger@gmail.com; Hunstiger, Matthew D
This dataset consists of a flake model representing an experimental archaeological reduction. This Core 4 Levallois reduction was knapped by Matthew D. Hunstiger. It and its related flake are housed at the University of Minnesota's Department of Anthropology Evolutionary Anthropology Labs. This model is of the flake that was created, or knapped off, as Hunstiger made that levallois reduction. It was created for the purpose of studying scar directionality in archaeological chipped stone analysis, and formed part of the experimental side of a dissertation by Matthew D. Hunstiger.
Core 9 Biface Flake Models
(2016-07-05) Hunstiger, Matthew D; mdhunstiger@gmail.com; Hunstiger, Matthew D
This dataset consists of flake models representing an experimental archaeological reduction. This Core 9 Biface was knapped by Matthew D. Hunstiger. It and its related flakes are housed at the University of Minnesota's Department of Anthropology Evolutionary Anthropology Labs. These models are of the flakes that were created, or knapped off, as Hunstiger made that biface. They were created for the purpose of studying scar directionality in archaeological chipped stone analysis, and formed part of the experimental side of a dissertation by Matthew D. Hunstiger.
Development of a Model of Archaeological Sensitivity for Landforms in the Red Wing Locality, Pierce County, Wisconsin.
(1994) Mrachek, Michele C; Sullivan, James E; Mooers, Howard D
Dibble Levallois Flake Models
(2016-07-05) Hunstiger, Matthew D; mdhunstiger@gmail.com; Hunstiger, Matthew D
This dataset consists of flake models representing an experimental archaeological reduction. This Dibble Levallois reduction was knapped by Harold L. Dibble. It and its related flakes are housed at the University of Arizona's School of Anthropology. These models are of the flakes that were created, or knapped off, as Dibble made that levallois reduction. They were created for the purpose of studying scar directionality in archaeological chipped stone analysis, and formed part of the experimental side of a dissertation by Matthew D. Hunstiger.
The PaleoIndian-Archaic Transition in Northeastern Minnesota.
(Duluth: Center for Community and Regional Research (CCRR)., 2006) Mulholland, Susan; Jones, Jennifer E
The nature of the Paleoindian-Archaic transition, which occurred roughly 6,000 to 8,000 years ago, is of particular interest to students of archaeology because the different models of the transition have been proposed for different geographical areas of the United States. Minnesota in general, and Northeastern Minnesota in particular, are located between the two major areas. This project focused on two archaelogical sites that span the transition: Knife Lake on the U.S.-Canadian border, and Flat Horn Lake west of Isabella, Minnesota.
A Portable, Low-Cost, Open-Design Rig for Reflectance Transformation Imaging
(2016-08-02) Porter, Samantha T; port0228@umn.edu; Porter, Samantha T
This simple and inexpensive rig is designed to assist researchers in capturing photographs for reflectance transformation imaging (RTI). It consists of 3D printed and laser cut parts, along with relatively easy to acquire hardware components. This project was presented as a poster at the 2016 meeting of the European Society for the Study of Human Evolution (ESHE) in Madrid, Spain, and can be cited separately as: "Porter, Samantha T. (2016, September). A Portable, Low-Cost, Open-Design Rig for Reflectance Transformation Imaging. Poster presented at the meeting of the European Society for the Study of Human Evolution, Madrid, Spain. Retrieved from the Data Repository for the University of Minnesota, http://doi.org/10.13020/D66C7Q"
Recognizing spatial and temporal relationships between Neolithic earthen monuments, Earth, and sky at Cranborne Chase, Southern Britain
(2023-01) Burley, Paul D
Cranborne Chase in southern England is a well-known area of Neolithic archaeology including numerous long barrows, the largest and longest cursus in Britain, and many other structures. This multi-disciplinary geoarchaeological research project reviews local and regional geologic and paleoenvironmental characteristics of Cranborne Chase and the adjoining South Hampshire Lowlands, with specific interest in the physiographic setting of Early- to Mid-Neolithic earthen long barrows and the Dorset Cursus. Locations, forms and architectural features of the earthen monuments are analyzed with regard to local and regional geologic, geomorphic, pedologic, topographic, paleoenvironmental, and astronomical conditions for the period of monument construction c. 3800 to 3200 BC. Cultural development in southern Britain c. the 4th millennium is reviewed in tandem with descriptions of natural physiographic and paleoenvironmental conditions that are unique to Cranborne Chase and the lowland. Historical and ethnographical information provides analogies with respect to prehistoric cultural astronomy. Spatial and temporal relationships are identified between elements of the landscape, skyscape, and monuments. Results of this study demonstrate that spatial and temporal relationships between the earthen structures and elements of the surrounding landscape, seascape, and skyscape are key to recognizing and understanding the symbolism and signification expressed by the monumental architecture. The cultural expresses spatial and temporal unification by alignment between Earth and sky, and the living and the dead. In that way, the cultural landscape is related to a Neolithic cosmology emphasizing certain elements of the observable landscape and skyscape, and belief in an astral afterlife.
A Simple Photogrammetry Rig for the Reliable Creation of 3D Artifact Models in the Field: Lithic Examples from the Early Upper Paleolithic Sequence of Les Cottés (France)
(2015-06-01) Porter, Samantha T; Roussel, Morgan; Soressi, Marie; port0228@umn.edu; Porter, Samantha T
3D scanning is becoming an increasingly utilized tool in archaeology. In comparison with other methods of 3D registration close-range photogrammetry has the benefits of being relatively inexpensive, mobile, and extremely adaptable for use in field conditions. Here, 3D models of lithic cores from the Châtelperronian, Protoaurignacian, and Early Aurignacian levels of the site of Les Cottés (France) are presented as examples of the quality of model that can be produced using photographs taken with a simple and inexpensive photogrammetry rig.
Tabun Unit I Flake Models
(2016-07-05) Hunstiger, Matthew D; mdhunstiger@gmail.com; Hunstiger, Matthew D
This dataset consists of flake models representing archaeological materials from Tabun Cave, Israel. They were excavated in the late 1960's to early 1970's by a team led by Arthur J. Jelinek of the University of Arizona. This Tabun Unit I assemblage was knapped by hominins approximately 165,000 years ago. The flakes are housed at the University of Arizona's School of Anthropology. These models are of the flakes that were created, or knapped off, as hominins made stone tools. They were created for the purpose of studying scar directionality in archaeological chipped stone analysis, and formed part of the archaeological side of a dissertation by Matthew D. Hunstiger.
Tabun Unit IX Flake Models
(2016-07-06) Hunstiger, Matthew D; mdhunstiger@gmail.com; Hunstiger, Matthew D
This dataset consists of flake models representing archaeological materials from Tabun Cave, Israel. They were excavated in the late 1960's to early 1970's by a team led by Arthur J. Jelinek of the University of Arizona. This Tabun Unit IX assemblage was knapped by hominins approximately 255,000 years ago. The flakes are housed at the University of Arizona's School of Anthropology. These models are of the flakes that were created, or knapped off, as hominins made stone tools. They were created for the purpose of studying scar directionality in archaeological chipped stone analysis, and formed part of the archaeological side of a dissertation by Matthew D. Hunstiger.
Three Dimensional Aggregate Flake Scar Analysis and Hominin Behavior at Tabun Cave, Israel
(2016-06) Hunstiger, Matthew
In the field of archaeological lithic analysis, dorsal flake scar directionality has been used for decades to infer methods of core reduction or flake production. The established method of analyzing these data has been with an approach that places patterns of scar directions into discreet, two dimensional categories, which can then be simply quantified and compared. The present work grew out of a desire to study this aspect of lithic variability as a continuous variable with enhanced statistical rigor, and to do so in three dimensions (3D). My study involves creating three dimensional virtual flake models, created using a NextEngine Desktop 3D laser scanner and 3D Systems Geomagic software suite for model assembly, orientation and data extraction. The use of 3D models allows for the collection of flake scar directions using 3D vectors. As individual flakes have sample sizes of scars that are too small for statistical analysis, the vectors from the individual flakes are combined into pooled assemblages, from which a host of variables are calculated and compared via bootstrapping. Sample analyses using these new variables are compared to results derived from the traditional two dimensional, categorical method. In this study I used a combination of experimentally produced assemblages representing bifacial, blade, discoidal and levallois reduction methods, and archaeologically derived samples from Tabun Cave, Israel. The experimental samples provide a baseline of comparison for illustrating potential areas of inter- and intra-assemblage variability that are investigated in the archaeological samples. Archaeological samples from Tabun Cave, Israel, representing Units I, IX, respectively Tabun C-type and Tabun D-type, and some of their respective Beds, are subjected to the same analysis, as a test case for the applicability of the method to an archaeological assemblage which is noted both for its layers characterized by certain flake scar patterning that change during the site’s sequence and for its status as a touchstone assemblage for the Levantine Paleolithic. Results from the experimental assemblages suggest different methods of reduction result in statistically distinguishable scar patterning in some cases. Results from the archaeological assemblage analysis suggest some assemblages are indistinguishable, such as the two Beds from Unit I, while other comparisons, such as between Units I and IX as well as between some of the Beds within Unit IX, suggest the utility of the method to differentiate archaeological samples by their 3D scar pattern variables. In particular, the ability of the method to distinguish between individual Beds within Unit IX calls into question the legitimacy of treating Tabun “types” as monolithic categories.
Three Dimensional Models and Two Dimensional Cross Sections of Châtelperronian and Protoaurignacian Lithic Cores from the Sites of Les Cottés and Roc de Combe
(2018-05-29) Porter, Samantha T; Roussel, Morgan; Soressi, Marie; stporter@umn.edu; Porter, Samantha T
These data were generated as part of a study investigating the use of quantitative methods on three dimensional models of lithic artifacts. The majority of the data set is comprised of 3D scans of Châtelperronian and Protoaurignacian cores from the site of Les Cottés (France), which were generated using photogrammetry. Although cores from the site of Roc de Combe were also scanned for the associated study, we are not able to make them available here due to rights restrictions. The second part of the data set includes two dimensional representations of cross sections, which were from the 3D artifact models. These were used in two analyses, which are described in the associated publication in JCAA (see citation below).
Three-Dimensional Models of Experimentally-Produced Lithic Artifacts Created using Expedient and Refined Photogrammetry Protocols
(2016-05-16) Magnani, Matthew; Douglass, Matthew; Porter, Samantha T; port0228@umn.edu; Porter, Samantha T
The data set consists of three-dimensional (3D) models of experimentally produced lithic artifacts created using both expedient and refined photogrammetric setups and processing protocols. Source images for all models were captured using a 12.1 megapixel Canon PowerShot SX260 HS compact digital camera. In our expedient protocol, objects were placed on a wire stand. The photographer moved around the object, and captured photos using Auto mode. In our refined protocol, objects were placed on a rotating turntable under controlled lighting conditions. The camera was placed on a tripod. Shutter speed, f-stop, and ISO were set manually. This refined protocol is described in Porter, S. T., Roussel, M., & Soressi, M. (2016). A Simple Photogrammetry Rig for the Reliable Creation of 3D Artifact Models in the Field Lithic Examples from the Early Upper Paleolithic Sequence of Les Cottés (France). Advances in Archaeological Practice, 4(1), 71-86. The associated paper discusses the relative fidelity of the models produced using these different workflows. Models may also be viewed online (in browser) at: https://sketchfab.com/unlarchaeology/collections/magnani-et-al-2016.

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