Thesis
Geoarchaeological investigations at 45PO429 (Pend Oreille County, Washington)
Washington State University
Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
2014
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/102580
Abstract
45PO429 is an ethnographically known occupation site of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians along the Pend Oreille River, in north eastern Washington state. This thesis presents the results of geoarchaeological field and lab assessments used to aid in analysis of selected occupation areas and features. Features were identified using the ethnographic record and physical and chemical signatures in the soil profile. Knowledge regarding duration of occupation and primary or secondary use of features was explored using a simple suite of methods (PSA, EC, pH, LOI). Natural controls were used to form baseline physical and chemical signatures specific to the project area. A single depression is explored, with delineation of interior and exterior space analyzed via physical and chemical datalines. Additionally, two in situ burning features-historic and prehistoric-are analyzed via relevant chemical signatures, specifically organic matter, electrical conductivity and pH. The signatures most relevant to analysis are particle size analysis (PSA) and organic matter. PSA aided identification of deliberate action related to creation and conservation of the depression by past people specific to the depression. The depression is tentatively identified as an occupation depression for the fall or summer use. Having comparative data through natural datasets, in situ and non-in situ features greatly aided in confirming or denying assumptions made in the field. The relative ease of geoarchaeological v analysis is meant to aid CRM interests by allowing more informed decisions regarding human land use with relatively little impact to the archaeological record.
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Details
- Title
- Geoarchaeological investigations at 45PO429 (Pend Oreille County, Washington)
- Creators
- Elizabeth Kathleen Truman
- Contributors
- Melissa Goodman-Elgar (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Anthropology, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525093301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis