Paleoarchaic Cultural Affiliations on the Columbia Plateau

Summary

Two decades of mortuary and bioarchaeology studies have built evidence for determinations of cultural affiliation for human remains and artifacts associated with the Paleoarchaic and Early Middle Archaic periods. Background studies (under NAGPRA: Kennewick by 2000 and Marmes in 2004, 2010, and 2012) outline major lines of evidence for determining probable affiliation. Sufficient and necessary evidence are subjects of healthy debate. Diversity in burial practices and artifacts unites more than divides Columbia Plateau communities from early times. Patterns in the locality and stages of mortuary practice (including cremation), combined with shell and ochre grave goods, strengthen models of dynamic social networks. Traditionalists and scientists are reconciling the personal identities of early ancestors. Their identities are complex and can include their status as elders and survivors, as well as their roles as individuals and explorers. Bioarchaeological studies (DNA, isotopes and trace elements), supported by Native Americans, will no doubt refine models of interaction spheres inside and outside of the Columbia Plateau. Advances in these analyses help better explain the interactions of culture and environment in shaping populations and personal life histories. Therefore, such studies will contribute to fuller understanding of the compelling identities of individuals we commemorate.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 21572