Date of Award:
5-2013
Document Type:
Thesis
Degree Name:
Master of Science (MS)
Department:
Sociology and Anthropology
Department name when degree awarded
Sociology, Social Work, and Anthropology
Committee Chair(s)
Bonnie L. Pitblado
Committee
Bonnie L. Pitblado
Committee
Christopher T. Morgan
Committee
Kenneth P. Cannon
Abstract
This thesis presents the results from archaeological test excavations at site 5GN1.2. The focus of this research is to evaluate Stiger’s Late Prehistoric settlement-subsistence hypothesis. According to Stiger, post-3000 B.P. occupations of the Upper Gunnison Basin were limited to big-game hunting forays originating from base camps located outside of the basin. Test excavations at 5GN1.2 documented archaeological deposits reflecting aboriginal occupation during the Late Prehistoric between about 3000 and 1300 years ago. Archaeological features include four hearths associated with abundant small-mammal remains, burnt plant seeds, stone tools and stone tool manufacturing debris.
Archaeological evidence rules out site 5GN1.2 as a focused Late Prehistoric big game hunting site. Site 5GN1.2 contains all the hallmarks of a residential base camp, including constructed hearths, rock art, both plant and animal resource procurement, comparatively high tool diversity, and evidence of bifacial late-stage stone tool manufacture. Site 5GN1.2 likely served as a short-term residential base camp occupied by whole family groups during the Late Prehistoric.
Checksum
26c39be515024f91a5618f69c5d29792
Recommended Citation
Peart, Jonathan Mitchell, "Late Prehistoric Technology, Quartzite Procurement, and Land Use in the Upper Gunnison Basin, Colorado: View from Site 5GN1.2" (2013). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023. 1982.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/1982
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