Recognizing Paleoindian Hideworking Activity Areas on the Great Plains

Abstract

This study utilized information from subject-side (ethnohistoric and ethnographic) and source-side (archaeological) data sources to develop a framework of how bison hideworking might be recognized in the Great Plains Paleoindian archaeological record. Hideworking has particular tool and space requirements and the recognition of these characteristics led to the development of a comparative analogic framework that can be examined using archaeological data. This study used chipped stone assemblages and spatial data from two Folsom/Midland archaeological sites, 14SN106, at the Kanorado Locality, and 41WK21, the Shifting Sands site, to examine the utility of this framework. Through lithic analysis of both site assemblages, elements of an expected hideworking artifact assemblage, such as endscrapers and their resharpening flakes, which are common at both sites, were identified. Other flake tools also were identified in the chipped stone assemblage. Unfortunately, less durable materials have not been recovered from these sites. Prior to spatial analysis of the assemblage at each of these sites, the site formation processes that may have impacted spatial patterns at each site were reviewed. Site formation processes at 14SN106 and 41WK21 indicate vertical disturbance is likely extensive; however, horizontal spatial data may yet yield patterns related to the activities that created them. Using artifact type distributions, kernel density estimates, and cluster analysis, the assemblages at both sites were studied for evidence of hideworking. This resulted in the identification of areas were hideworking likely took place. At 14SN106, the Main Block excavation is confirmed as a hideworking location. A single artifact concentration appears to be a resharpening area. At 41WK21, the southernmost part of the site appears to have been a hideworking area, but five additional areas exhibit evidence of use for multiple activities including hideworking. One area does not appear to have been used for hideworking. These results are discussed in the context of the framework for hideworking including comparisons with other Folsom/Midland sites.