prepared core and blade traditions in the pacific northwest

Prepared Core and Blade Traditions in the Pacific NorthwestAuthor(s): David SangerSource: Arctic Anthropology, Vol. 5, No. 1 (1968), pp. 92-120Published by: University of Wisconsin PressStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/40315664 .

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PREPARED CORE AND BLADE TRADITIONS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST*

DAVID SANGER

INTRODUCTION

In the last two decades workers in the Pacific Northwest have been reporting the presence of blades struck from prepared cores. For the purposes of this paper, the Pacific Northwest includes the northern portion of Oregon, all of Washington, and British Columbia up to about 54 degrees north latitude. The latter boundary coincides with both the northern boundary of the British Columbia In- terior Plateau (Bostock 1948) and an important collection of microblades and cores. Northern British Columbia collections, for example the Callison site (MacNeish I960), may affiliate more closely with the Yukon and central Alaska sites, and should, therefore, be treated separately.

In 1937 Nelson drew attention to resemblances between microblades and cores from eastern Asia and specimens from the western portion of North America. Borden (1950) identified microblades from the Whalen II component of the Whalen Farm site on the southern British Columbia coast, and in 19 52 he reported microblades and a core from the Natal- kuz Lake site in central British Columbia. These announcements were followed by the recognition of microblades and cores on San Juan Island, north- western Washington (Carlson 1954), and by the discovery of similar artifacts in the lower Grand Coulee region of central Washington (Butler 1958; Osborne 1967). Since I960 microblades and cores

Many of the archaeologists working in the Pacific Northwest have contributed to this paper by allowing me to examine collections, by making available illustrations, by preparing statements on unpublished collections, and by commenting on portions of the manuscript. Individuals concerned are named in the appropriate sections of the text. Most important, perhaps, is the encouragement I have received to undertake this review. William Irving of the National Museum of Canada and another microblade specialist, David Wyatt, now at Brown University, have also commented on the text.

have been found in a number of sites in the Pacific Northwest. Large blades, also from prepared cores, have been reported from several regions (Borden 1952; Butler 1961; Dumond 1962; Nelson 1965; Sanger 1966).

The potential cultural significance of blades has not been lost upon archaeologists working in the Pacific Northwest. Borden (1952; 1962) has called attention to the nearly continuous distribution of microblades from the Pacific Northwest to the Arctic. MacNeish (1964) subsumes the Pacific Northwest specimens in the Northwest Microblade tradition, in which he also includes microblade collections from central Alaska and from the Yukon.

The purpose of this paper is to discuss some of the blade and core collections in the Pacific Northwest, and to attempt an assessment of the cultural significance in the light of new evidence. The collections cannot be presented in equal detail; many of the blade and core collections have scarcely been analyzed. Site locations are indicated in Figure 1.

The presentation is divided into three sections: the introduction; a resume of collections; and a discussion.

Definitions. Archaeologists in the Pacific North- west have used many terms for products of the prepared core-blade technique. The terms "microblades," "bladelets," "lamelles," "lamellar flakes," and "prismatic blades" have been used, often inter- changeably. Rigidity of definition is not always desirable in archaeology, but for the purposes of this paper it may be useful to standardize and to define certain terms.

In describing blades and cores archaeologists have continually wrestled with terms and definitive features. To the usual long, narrow, parallel- sided, triangular or prismatic cross section attributes, I suggest that the complete blade should indicate clear evidence of having been detached from a prepared core. By a "prepared core" is meant one which exhibits evidence of striking platform or core edge preparation. In this way it may be possible to distinguish between the occasional parallel-sided

92

Arctic Anthropology V-l, 1968



Sanger: Pacific Northwest Core and Blade Traditions 93

Fig. 1. Map of the Pacific Northwest



94 Arctic Anthropology V-l

flakes removed from other core forms or even from artifact manufacture, such as the thinning of projectile points, to mention only one possibility.

Two distinct forms of blades, both removed from prepared cores, are found in the Pacific Northwest - the microblade and the macroblade. To date, no assemblage in the area has been described in which microblades blend into the large macroblades in size and form. Thus a width division, which Taylor (1962) found to be useful in the Arctic, is not necessary at present. In some microblade collections a small percent of the specimens may exceed 10 mm. in width. It may be better in these instances to mention the percentage rather than relegate these occasional specimens to a different artifact class. Macroblades from the Pacific Northwest are generally much longer, wider, and thicker than microblades, and they are frequently much less sym- metrical in outline.

In the North use has been made of terms such as "wedge-shaped" and "tongue-shaped" to describe microblade cores. Although I have employed the term "tongue-shaped" to describe microblade cores from British Columbia (Sanger 1966), I now feel that it is undesirable to place the Pacific Northwest cores into named types. At this very preliminary stage of core analysis, descriptions of attributes may be more valuable.

Most of the core and blade attributes used in this paper are depicted in Figure 2. Microblade widths are taken at the widest point below the striking platform; thickness measurements are taken midway along the length of the specimen. When the distal end of the microblade is broken away, the microblade is described as being "dis tally squared"; a "proximally squared" microblade is minus the striking platform; and a "distal-proximal squared" microblade has only a center section remaining. With "dorsal retouch" (along a lateral edge) flake scars appear on the dorsal surface; "ventral retouch" is the opposite attribute; and "dorso-ventral retouch" is the combination of both.

Quantitative microblade core attributes include the length and width of striking platforms, which are always taken as maximum measurements. Calipers are used to record these measurements and other dimensions such as length of edge chord, maximum length of fluted surface, maximum height of core, and width of flutes taken just below the core edge. The index of curvature of the core edge is computed from the length of the core edge along the fluted surface divided by the length of the edge chord. The core edge angle, which is the angle between the plane of the striking platform and the fluted surface, is measured with the aid of a Forma-

gage. TheFormagage consists of a series of closely-spaced steel rods which are pressed onto the core edae. When the instrument is removed the

rods maintain the outline of the object, in this case the striking platform and the fluted surface.

MICROBLADES

Plateau Sites

Lochnore-Nesikep Locality. The microblades and microblade cores from the Lochnore-Nesikep locality, British Columbia, constitute the largest collection in the Pacific Northwest. The 700 microblades have been analysed by D. Wyatt, who concentrated on the attributes listed in Tables 1-5, and by Sanger who worked with manufacturing techniques and with some of the functional aspects. Over 75 microblade cores are in the Lochnore-Nesikep locality collections; these have been analysed by Sanger. The following account is abstracted from the more complete analyses which form a portion of a longer report on all the assemblages in the locality (Sanger n.d.; Wyatt n.d.).

The majority of the Lochnore-Nesikep microblades are manufactured from a vitreous basalt; there are very few chalcedony and chert specimens. With the aid of a microscope it is possible to follow the core edge preparation techniques which appear in the battered and ground, rounded area to be seen on the dorsal surface of all proximally complete specimens (Fig. 3). Microblade edges and extremities were also subjected to microscope examination in the hopes of learning something of microblade functions. Some suggestion of use along one or both of the lateral edges is observed, but the basalt proves to be relatively unsuitable for this form of analysis. Distal extremities on complete and broken microblades have been examined under magnification, and here the results are more encouraging; 135 examples show clear indications of wear. Approxi- mately half of these microblade -based gravers are made on complete microblades. Of these, 30 are on unmodified distal ends; the remainder indicate modification by "burin-like" blows directed from the distal end or by steep flaking along one or both lateral edges at the distal end. Half of the microblade gravers (65 specimens) are based upon a sharp corner at the junction of a break and a lateral edge. The nature of these microblade -based gravers suggests the technique of end hafting. There is no evidence for a series of microblades hafted longi- tudinally to form a long, continuous cutting edge, or for microblades set into bone or antler points to act as barbs.

Most microblade cores (Fig. 4) from the Lochnore- Nesikep locality are manufactured from a local vitreous basalt. To date, a total of 75 complete and fragmentary cores has been found. The outstanding feature of these cores is the use of a natural




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Fig. 4. Lochnore-Nesikep Locality microblade cores. Core (i) is from Pine Mountain site, Zone III; all others from Lehman site, Zone II.




and weathered surface for the striking platform. An important negative feature is the absence of "ridge flakes" (Laughlin and Aigner 1966). Only in rare instances is the platform modified by subsequent flaking, and no core tablets or large striking platform core rejuvenation flakes have been recovered. Viewed from the lateral surfaces, the platforms are generally flat to slightly concave. In all cases the core edge has been battered, crushed, and ground; a technique of core edge preparation seen on many microblade cores in the Pacific Northwest. The edges of the fluted surface commonly contract to form a wedge-shaped keel. Crushing along the keel is not infrequent, a feature which may indicate the positioning of the core on a hard surface during microblade detachment. Most cores have one fluted surface, but occasional examples, especially those with very acute angles at the core edge, may have microblades removed from more than one surface. In all instances, however, only one striking platform is present.

Comparisons between flute length and width on the cores, and length and width of microblades, suggests that the cores lose little in height throughout their life. This is consonant with the lack of core rejuvenation tablets previously mentioned. Ex- hausted cores were probably not reworked into other implements.

The ratio of microblades to cores was examined in the hopes of estimating the number of microblades removed from the average core. Of the 55 cores and fragments from the Lehman site, only 9 were recovered in the same excavation which netted 444 microblades; the remaining cores were picked up on the surface after plowing. The ratio of microblades to cores is approximately 50:1. Only 20% of the Leh- man site microblades are complete, however, indi- cating that the 5 0:1 ratio is too high. By including only complete microblades and proximal fragments (striking platform end) the total is 323 microblades and a ratio of about 36:1. Applying this "corrected sample" procedure to the second largest microblade component in the Lochnore-Nesikep locality, Pine Mountain site (Zone III), the ratio is 33:1.

In summary, the outstanding characteristics of the Lochnore-Nesikep microblade cores are as follows:

1. the frequent use of a weathered and naturally-roughened surface for the striking platform,

2. the lack of core tablets or large striking platform rejuvenation spalls,

3. the absence of "ridge" flakes, 4. the battering and grinding associated with

the core edge preparation, 5. from a maximum width at the striking plat-

form, the cores taper to a chisel-shaped keel,

6. microblades removed from one face inmost examples,

7. absence of core rotation and the use of a single striking platform,

8. the frequent use of basalt as the raw material. In the Lochnore-Nesikep locality microblades

occur with assemblages thought to range in age from over 6000 years to about 2000 years ago. A few microblades were found with the lanceolate points from Zone VII of the Nesikep Creek site, but the majority occurred with the corner- notched, indented and expanding stem points of the Lehman site, Zone II. A date of about 4700 B.C. (6650 ± 110; I- 2367) has been received on this component. In housepit sites dated to the first millennium B.C. microblades are more scarce (see Sanger 1964, 1966, 1967 for more details on chronology and associated materials).

Drynoch Slide. The Drynoch Slide site (EcRi:l) is located on the Thompson River between Lytton and Spences Bridge. From beneath a deposit of volcanic ash, identified by R. Wilcox of the U.S. Geological Survey as Mazama Ash (personal communication), a single microblade was discovered by R. J. Fulton. Associated charcoal was dated to 5500 B.C. (753 0 ± 230; GSC 530). Mazama ash dates average 4500 B.C. (Powers and Wilcox 1964). In addition to the microblade, subsequent work at the site recovered mis- cellaneous scrapers, flakes, and fish and mammal bones. This find represents the oldest dated microblade thus far found in the Pacific Northwest.

Microblades are not uncommon in other collections in south central British Columbia. Borden (1962:17) reports microblade cores from Adams Lake near Shuswap Lake, and surface collections along the Fra ser River from Lytton to north of Lillooet have produced numerous examples. Harían I. Smith's (1899, 1900) collections from south central British Columbia contain no microblades. Two microblade- like flakes were surface collected from site DiQm:4 in the Arrow Lakes. According to Turnbull (personal communication), who is analysing the collection, there is no striking platform preparation. In most other respects, however, the flakes resemble microblades. The geologist R. Fulton collected a small, white, chalcedony microblade core from a site in the Salmon River valley, 4 miles west of Falkland. No other artifacts in a finished state were recovered (Fulton, personal communication). The striking platform is formed by a concave and weathered surface which is rougher than the fresh microblade scars. Core edge preparation is present. The edges of the fluted surface are nearly parallel down to the flat keel. Areas of cortex are present on both lateral surfaces. There are three flutes, each about 2 mm. wide. Length of striking platform: 9.5 mm.; width of striking platform: 12.5 mm.; height of core:




15.0 mm.; height of fluted surface: 12.5 mm.; angle at core edge: approx. 60 degrees.

Kootenay. Borden1 s survey (Borden 1956) of the eastern Kootenay region produced no microblades. Turnbull (personal communication) reports a collection of microblades and cores from a site at Taghum, near Nelson. This collection represents the most easterly known distribution of microblades in southern British Columbia.

Marron Lake. Located in the Canadian Okanagan, the Marron Lake site (DiQw:2) was excavated by G. F. Grabert during the 1967 field season. Eighty microblades and eight microblade cores were recovered from this important site which forms a link in the logical diffusion route of microblades from the British Columbia Interior Plateau south to the Columbia Plateau. Detailed descriptions of the stratigraphy and cultural associations are not yet available. Data for the following description of the microblades and cores was assembled for this paper by Grabert (personal communication).

The microblade cores are made of a variety of materials. Five of the cores are of basalt, with one each of chert, agate, and chalcedony. Striking platforms are formed by a single flake scar which may represent a weathered surface, are widest at the core edge, and contract to the back of the core. Battering, described as "slight," is noted on core edges and also along the keels of the two largest microblade cores.

Of the 80 microblades in the collections, 12 are complete and 24 are distally squared. Most of the microblades are of basalt, with only a few examples of chert and agate. Complete specimens range in length from 16.7-32.9 mm.

Preliminary reports indicate that the Marron Lake site consists of at least two components. Some microblades were found on the surface, but always in disturbed areas. Microblades were generally located at depths of 3 0-40 cm. around a calcium carbonate layer. Deeper deposits, while still cultural, contained fewer microblades.

Central British Columbia. The following descriptions of microblades and cores are of specimens in the University of British Columbia collections. They were collected by C. E. Borden in the early 1950's and by J. Sewell, a resident of Vanderhoof, B.C. Illustrations of many of the specimens have already been published (Borden 1952, 1962).

The most significant collection comes from the Natalkuz Lake site (FiSi:19). Here Borden recovered 19 obsidian and 7 basalt microblades, together with one obsidian microblade core, in a housepit context. A radiocarbon assay on charred material from the

central fire hearth gave a date of about 465 B.C. (2415 ± 160; S-4). The microblade core (catalogue number FiSi: 19-375) is made of obsidian (Borden 1952: Plate II, No. 5). The striking platform may originally have been based on an old weathered surface, but it has been partially modified by the removal of small flakes. The core edge is battered, with some grinding. From the maximum width at the striking platform, the fluted surface tapers to the keel. The latter is slightly flattened. Dimensions are listed in Table 8.

Associated with the Natalkuz Lake microblade core are 26 microblades. Illustrated examples (Bor- den 19 52: Plate II; Borden 1962: Plate 7, b) range in length from 11-32 mm. and in width from 3-8 mm. In general, the obsidian microblades are more slender than the basalt specimens. From an examination of the microblade striking platforms, it appears that many of the microblactes were removed from cores with a core edge angle of approximately 9 0 degrees. The striking platforms of these microblades are characteristically small and thin, an attribute also noted on Lehman site microblades removed from 90 degree angle cores. The core edge angle of the single microblade core recovered from the Natalkuz Lake site is approximately 90 degrees.

Other microblade cores from central British Columbia are illustrated by Borden (1962: Plate 7, d-g), and dimensions are listed in Table 8. Striking platforms are generally flat to slightly concave and display little modification except in the area of the core edge. Obsidian is the usual mineral used, although one specimen (FISa: 3-1 ) is manufactured from a mottled grey chert.

Microblade core FlSa:3-l (Fig. 5, a, b) is different from other interior Northwest microblade cores thus far examined. The striking platform is created by a series of blows directed from the core edge towards the back of the platform. Many of these flakes have hinged out before traversing the entire length of the platform. Six microblade scars, or flutes, are visible. The core edge indicates battering and some grinding. The edges of the fluted surface contract symmetrically from the maximum width at the core edge, but the keel is flattened, with some evidence of crushing. The latter may result from the core resting on a hard surface as the microblades were being detached.

With the possible exception of the Natalkuz Lake microblade core, the central British Columbia specimens are of unknown age. Associated assemblages are frequently surface collections which, to judge from the wide array of artifact forms, may constitute several once discrete assemblages. It would not be surprising, however, to find microblades and cores in central British Columbia dating to eight thousand years ago.




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Ryegrass Coulee. Located near Vantage on the Columbia River, the Ryegrass Coulee site (45 KT 88) is one of the most prolific microblade and core sites thus far discovered in the Pacific Northwest. In terms of the numbers of microblades and cores, it is exceeded only by the Lehman site. The site was excavated in 1966 by a University of Washing- ton party directed in the field by David Munsell and under the general supervision of A. D. Krieger. The collection from the microblade component of the stratified site was made available for my study in the spring of 1967. A detailed report on the site is being prepared for publication by Munsell.

Seven microblade cores (Fig. 6) and at least 206 microblades were excavated. Six of the seven cores share a number of characteristics. The cores are of chalcedony and chert; there are no basalt examples. Like the Lehman site cores, those from the Ryegrass Coulee collection have flat to slightly concave striking platforms based upon a weathered and naturally roughened surface. No additional modification of the striking platform is indicated except for extensive battering and grinding at the core edge. Viewed from the front of the cores, the edges of the fluted surfaces contract symmetrically to form wedge or chisel-shaped keels, which range from sharp to slightly flattened. The lateral edges are formed by a combination of blows directed from the keel towards the striking platform, and the re- verse, in addition to blows from the back of the cores. No crushing is seen on the keels. Not in- frequently, areas of cortex remain on the cores, particularly on the backs of the cores. All cores have only one fluted surface. Dimensions are listed in Table 9.

The seventh core is considerably larger than the specimens just described, and has a number of other unique features (Figure 7). Perhaps the most obvious difference in the flaked striking platform, which has been modified by blows directed from the lateral surfaces in towards the center-line of the striking platform. The platform is straight to slightly concave when viewed from the lateral surfaces, and the core edge is battered and ground. Short blades (about 25 mm.) have been removed from one end of the chalcedony core. Length of striking platform: 55 mm.; width of striking platform (at core edge): 24 mm.; maximum height of core: 30mm.; length of fluted surface: 25 mm.; angle at core edge: about 66 degrees.

A brief examination of a few Ryegrass Coulee microblades indicates removal from prepared cores with core edge angles under 90 degrees. This agrees with the observations made on the cores. Of the 206 chert and chalcedony microblades, a fairly low percentage (unspecified) have been described as retouched alone one or both lateral edges. At the time of examination, however, a

detail-obscurring, calcium carbonate and silt deposit on many of the specimens had not been removed. Some use of distal ends is indicated, and there is at least one microblade with a notched edge. A detailed examination of the microblades is yet to be published, but the non-metrical attributes, to judge from the microblade cores and the few microblades observed, should be very similar to the basalt specimens from the Lehman site. Should significant metrical differences materialize, it will be interesting to assess the possible effects of the use of chalcedony and chert as opposed to basalt.

The microblades were stratified beneath more recent materials and in close proximity to a stratum of volcanic ash, probably Mazama. A charcoal sample was submitted for dating through the radiocarbon dating program of the National Museum of Canada, and a date of about 2000 B.C. (3940 ± 220;- GaK 1486) has been received. Three other samples were dated at the University of Washington (Mun- sell, personal communication): 3525 ± 145 (UW 112); 6480 ± 80 (UW 113); 6790 ± 340 (UW 144). The latter date derives from a horizon beneath the microblade stratum and the volcanic ash. The 6480 B.P. date is on a shell sample, while the others are based on charcoal.

Leaf-shaped points (some of them serrated), large, side-notched points, and contracting stem points are said to be associated with the microblades (Fig. 8). The leaf-shaped points are small, well made, and within the range of Cascade points (Butler 19 61). Judging from the small size, the number with medial serration, and the occasional specimens with triangular cross sections, the leaf-shaped points should date towards the end of the Cascade point time range for that part of the Columbia Plateau. The association of large, side-notched points suggests the Cold Springs Horizon (Butler 1961), which is frequently found above Mazama ash deposits in sites along the middle Columbia River, ^arge side- notched points like these have been dated at various Columbia River sites between 4500 B.C. (approximate date for Mazama ash) and 2000 B.C. [Sourdough Creek site (4200 ± 125; UW 3 7).] A few of the Rye- grass Coulee points resemble the Rabbit Island Stemmed point (Crab tree 1957). At the Schaake site, a few miles upstream from Vantage and the Ryegrass Coulee site, a component with these contracting and parallel stem, corner-removed points, was dated to about 1250 B.C. (3210 ± 150; UW 36). No large side-notched points were present (Holmes 1966).

On the basis of the associated projectile points and the radiocarbon dates on hand, I would suggest that a date of between 2000 B.C. and 3000 B.C. is reasonable for the microblades at the Ryegrass Coulee site. If, as Munsell suggests (personal communication), the shell date of 4500 B.C. is correct, the microblades would be considerably older.




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Microblades are probably present in other Columbia River sites, although there are no published reports.

Windy Springs. Excavations in the lower Grand Coulee region of central Washington resulted in the discovery of several microblade sites. The most important of these is the Windy Springs site (45 GR 88). The sites were excavated in 195 7 under the field direction of Douglas Osborne, who has re- cently published a report of the excavations (Os- borne 1967). Previous to this, however, Butler (1958) published a brief note on the presence of microblades at the Windy Springs site, and Galla- gher (1959) described the South Cave site, also in the lower Grand Coulee area.

The Windy Springs site consists of a recent housepit dug into an older occupation stratum. Labelled Horizon A and Horizon B, respectively, the microblades and cores are considered to have derived from the older Horizon B. Five microblade cores and twenty-two microblades are in the Windy Springs collection.

The microblade cores are made of cryptocrystal- lines. Two of the five examples are said to be "ex- cellent" and the others fragmentary. The two illustrated microblade cores (Osborne 1967: Plate IV, i, j; Butler 1958:4), appear to have striking platforms based on a single flake scar or on a weathered surface. Some core edge preparation may be visible on one specimen. Figure 9 is prepared from the illustrations in Osborne 1967 and Butler 1958 mentioned above.

The microblades from the Windy Springs site number 22, of which 17 or 18 are considered to display all of the characteristics of "true microblades." Lengths of complete microblades average 25 mm. (Butler 1958:5), whereas flutes on the two cores are 25 and 20 mm. long. Proximal ends of complete microblades illustrated (Osborne 1967: Plate IV, k) show battering, reinforcing the observation of suspected core edge preparation noted above.

Many of the other sites in the area have yielded one or two microblades, together with some sugges- tions of antiquity. At Windy Springs, medium to large, corner-removed projectile points with contracting stems are probably associated with the microblades and cores in Horizon B. Grinding stones are also present. Horizon A, the housepit fill, contained small side-notched and basal-notched points typical of the late prehistoric period in the Columbia Plateau. A radiocarbon date of A.D. 870 (1080 ± 200; M 942), based on a composite sample of turtle carapace and burned bone fragments, is considered not reliable (Osborne 1967:10). In other sites, where one or two microblades are reported, contracting stem points similar to those from horizon B at the Windy Springs site, also occur. These occasional microblades are frequently "lime -encrusted."

The presence of microblades with corner- removed, contracting stem points of the Rabbit Island Stemmed type (Crabtree 1957), taken in conjunction with the absence of large, side-notched points, suggests that the Windy Springs microblades are probably more recent than the 4000 to 5000 year old Ryegrass Coulee specimens.

Gulf of Georgia Region1

Whalen Farm. The uppermost component of the Whalen Farm site, designated Whalen II, includes one of the most important collections of microblades from a coastal site in the Pacific Northwest. Lo- cated at Boundary Bay on the Point Roberts peninsula, the shell midden was excavated in 1949 by a joint team from the University of British Columbia and the University of Washington. The excavation was supervised by C. E. Borden who has frequently called attention to microblades in the Whalen II assemblage (Borden 1950:20; 1952:37,38; 1962:17: Plate 7, a). Borden kindly allowed me to make the necessary observations which appear in Tables 10- 12.

Fig. 9 . Microblade Core from the Windy Springs site, Washington ( Figure re-drawn from Osborne 1967: Plate IV and Butler 1958).

JThis paper was submitted for publication before Donald H. Mitchell's report "Microblades: A Long-Standing Gulf of Georgia Tradition" appeared in American Antiquity, Vol. 33, No. 1, pp. 11-15, 1968.




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A total of 1 7 obsidian microblades, but no microblade cores, was recovered (Figure 10, a-c). The outstanding feature of these microblades is the presence of faceting on the striking platforms, but only a limited amount of battering and grinding of the dorsal surface at the proximal end. From the viewpoint of core preparation, it seems that relatively more attention was paid to preparing the striking platform by flaking than was accorded core edge preparation by battering and grinding.

The Whalen II microblade cores, to judge from the outlines of the microblades, were probably quite different from the interior microblade cores. The latter, as exemplified by the Lehman and the Ryegrass Coulee specimens, contract from a maximum width at the striking platform to a wedge- shaped keel. The number of parallel-sided Whalen II microblades, taken in conjunction with the microblades which actually attain their greatest breadth at the distal end, suggests cores which did not contract sharply to the keel. Obsidian and quartz crystal microblade cores from other coastal sites share this feature. Striking platform angles range from 60 to 125 degrees for the 14 proximally intact examples studied; nearly half, however, are around 90 degrees.

Retouching along the edges occurs on almost one -third of the examples, and at least one specimen is retouched on the distal end. Two other microblades indicate use wear or intentional modification at the distal end. Sometime after Borden1 s excavation, W. Duff recovered an antler haft with a beaver tooth gouge from the Whalen II component as it was being bulldozed (Duff 1956). Such a haft could accommodate a microblade graving implement as readily as the beaver incisor. Despite the quantity of preserved bone and antler in the Whalen II assemblage, slotted pieces indicative of the longi- tudinal hafting of microblades are not present.

Associated with the Whalen II microblades in the shell midden were: corner-notched projectile points; celts, antler wedges, and stone mauls; one and two piece toggle harpoon heads; and a variety of tooth, bone, and antler objects. An important feature of the assemblage is the absence of ground slate, despite the fact that nearby sites, both older and younger, contain significant collections of ground slate objects (Borden 19 50). A composite charcoal sample from Whalen II has been dated at about A.D. 370 ( 1580 ± 140; S 19). Microblades constitute between 8 and 10 percent of the Whalen II assemblage (Borden, personal communication).

Marpole phase. A few microblades were recovered from the large Marpole midden in Vancouver (Borden

1962:16), and others came from the culturally re- lated Beach Grove site (Borden, personal communication).

Spedifore Farm. Borden (1962: Plate 7, i) illus- trates a quartz crystal microblade core from the Spedifore Farm in the Fraser Delta region. From the illustration it appears that the core shares the wide keel noted on other quartz crystal cores. Associa- tions are not mentioned in the text.

San Juan Island. In the collection from San Juan Island and the Cattle Point excavation are several clear quartz crystals. The excavation was described by King (1950), and the later discovery of quartz microblades and microblade cores was recorded by Carlson (1954, I960). Upon a re-examination of the San Juan Island collection in 1967, three microblade cores, two of quartz and one of obsidian, were found. Another core and two microblades from the Argyle Lagoon site (Carlson 1960:574) were not examined.

The microblade cores (Figure 10, d, e) are dis- tinctive for their minute size (see Table 13 for dimensions) and extremely acute striking platform- fluted surface angles. Striking platforms on the quartz specimens are created by blows struck from the core edge, or front of the core, obliquely towards the back. Viewed from the back of the quartz cores, the flake scars travel from upper right to lower left (Figure 10, h). Some battering is evident on the core edge, but this form of core edge preparation is not extensive, especially when compared with some of the Plateau microblade cores. The lateral edges are formed by natural crystal facets, which them- selves superficially resemble microblade flutes. Keels are unmodified, being the end of the crystal. Microblades removed from such cores are generally parallel-sided or even widest at the distal extremity (Figure 10, g). The third microblade core, based on a piece of translucent grey obsidian (Figure 10, d), resembles the quartz crystal cores in preparation. Techniques for handling quartz crystal appear to have been transferred to obsidian (see later discussion).

Five quartz and five obsidian microblades were examined. Those of quartz are thinner and narrower than the obsidian specimens. Widths of quartz microblades range from 4-7.5 mm., with a mean of 5.3 mm.; widths of obsidian microblades range from 6-8 mm., with a mean of 7.2 mm. These widths are considerably greater than the flutes on the three cores (see Table 13).

Although the age and cultural affiliations of the San Juan Island microblades and cores are not certain, Carlson (I960) suggests that they pre-date the




Marpole phase components in the area. Due to the small assemblages accompanying the microblades, Carlson is hesitant to assign a phase designation of to make extended comparisons.

Cadboro Bay. Several microblade cores and microblades have been recovered from sites at Cadboro Bay, on the southern end of Vancouver Island. Three basalt microblade cores from shell midden site DcRt: 15 were examined in the British Columbia Provincial Museum, Victoria, through the courtesy of D. Abbott. These cores utilize weathered and naturally roughened surfaces for striking platforms, which show no modification. In this respect, the Cadboro Bay cores resemble the Plateau specimens. Core' edge preparation is almost non-existent;2 a slight smoothing of the core edge is visible, but such smoothing could be attributable to normal abrasion in the site. Because it is not battered and smoothed, the core edge, when viewed from above, appears scalloped. Lateral surfaces and keels exhibit little or no preparation, and in this respect the cores resemble the quartz and obsidian microblade cores from other Gulf of Georgia sites. Dimensions are listed in Table 13.

Another basalt microblade core from Cadboro Bay (site DcRt: 8) is illustrated by Borden (1962: Plate 7, j).

Associated with the three basalt microblade cores from DcRt: 15 are fourteen microblades. Two of these are irregular basalt specimens; three are small, retouched quartz crystal microblades; and nine are of obsidian. The latter have artificially roughened striking platforms.

Although the microblade cores thus far found at DcRt: 15 are of basalt, the presence of greater numbers of quartz and obsidian microblades indicates cores of these latter two minerals. As mentioned above, the treatment of the lateral surfaces and the keel on the basalt cores is very reminiscent of core preparation techniques employed on quartz crystal and obsidian cores from the Gulf of Georgia. Whereas the obsidian microblades from DcRt: 15 exhibit artificially roughened striking platforms, microblades removed from the three basalt cores examined would not have had artificially roughened striking platforms. The naturally roughened weathered surfaces probably provide adequate purchase for the instruments used to detach the microblades. Temporal and cultural factors are not definite; at present a Marpole-like cultural affiliation and a date of around 2000 years ago are suggested.

2Unless the polish at the core edge is intentional, there would be little evidence of core preparation on microblades removed from these cores. The weathered striking platform surface could be seen on the microblades, however.

Firemen's Park. A single quartz crystal microblade core from site DcRt:l3 was examined. The site is on Bowker Creek in the municipality of Oak Bay near Victoria. Twenty microblades of basalt, obsidian and quartz crystal are also in the collection. The striking platform of the core is prepared by blows originating at the core edge. Some core edge preparation in the form of battering is also present. Lateral surfaces are formed by crystal facets, and the keel, characteristically unmodified, is the end of the crystal.

Montague Harbour. For several years D. Abbott of the Provincial Museum in Victoria and D. Mitchell of the University of Victoria have been developing a regional chronology for the southern end of Van- couver Island and the adjacent off-shore islands. One of the most important excavations in this program is that of the shell midden at Montague Har- bour, on Galiano Island. The excavations, directed by Mitchell, have disclosed three distinct cultural strata. The earliest, dated to around 1000 B.C. [2890 ± 140 (GSC 406); 3160 ± 130 (GSC 437)], is said to resemble the Locarno Beach phase identified by Borden in the Fraser delta. Stratified above is an assemblage reminiscent of the Marpole phase, also proposed by Borden (1962) on the basis of Fraser delta components. The final component at Montague Harbour can be equated with a culture similar to that known for the Coast Salish in early historic times (Mitchell, personal communication). Although it is beyond the scope of this specialized paper to discuss the complexities and the problems of extending the mainland Fraser delta phases to the southern end of Vancouver Island, it is worth noting that the development of cultures in the Gulf of Georgia is somewhat similar, although important differences are apparent.

Microblades, but thus far no microblade cores, have been found in limited quantities ( 1 and 2 percent of assemblages) in two of the three Montague Harbour components. The earliest component, that resembling Locarno Beach, yielded two microblades, one of quartz and one of obsidian. Both were removed from cores with a core edge angle of approximately 90 degrees; both indicate striking platform flaking, with a minimum of core edge battering or grinding. Three obsidian microblades were recovered from the Marpole-like component. Striking platforms on the microblades indicate that the core striking platforms were faceted, but that core edge battering was not present.

Three quartz crystal microblade cores, also from Galiano Island, are in the collections of the British Columbia Museum. Only one of these specimens is complete (see Table 13 for dimensions). Striking platforms are modified by blows struck from the core edge towards the back of the platform. The




resultant angle at the core edge is acute, ranging around the 5 0 degree mark for the three specimens. Core edges are well battered and ground. The back of the complete core and the lateral surfaces are unmodified. The keel indicates some modification, but nothing approaching the Plateau style wedge- shaped keel is present.

Puget Sound. At least two sites in the Seattle region have produced microblades. A few microblades and small cores were recovered from the Mary moor Farm site (45 KI 9) excavated under the direction of R. E. Greengo of the University of Washington. Associated artifacts suggest a considerable period of site occupancy.

The second site (45 SN 100) is located near Duval on the Snoqualamie River. Here the Washing- ton Archaeological Society recovered at least eight microblades whose dimensions are quite similar to those from Whalen II (C. G. Nelson 1962:16). Of the eight microblades, four are of obsidian. Site 45 SN 100 is perhaps best known for its remarkable preservation of wooden objects. For comparative purposes, however, the most noteworthy aspect is the similarity of projectile point styles to Columbia Plateau forms, a feature SN 100 shares with the Marymoor Farm site. Additional similarities are seen with Whalen II. A date of between A.D. 1 and A.D. 5 00 is tentatively suggested for 45 SN 100.

Milliken site. At the deeply stratified Milliken site (DjRi:3) near the mouth of the Fraser Canyon some microblades and three microblade cores have been recovered from the uppermost component, known as the Baldwin phase. Borden (1965: Fig. 2) gives dates of 410 B.C. (2360 ± 60; S 112) and 850 B.C. (2800 ± 13 0; M 1513) for the beginning of the Bald- win phase. Associated materials include stone disc beads, ground slates, steatite zoomorphic carvings, nephrite celts, and a variety of stemmed and notched projectile points. In many respects, the Baldwin phase seems strongly influenced by the downriver Marpole phase.

The three microblade cores are quite unlike one another. One crude specimen has cortex on a striking platform which has limited core edge preparation. The last microblades to have been removed were very crude, judging from the remaining flutes. A second, cube-like core is unusual in that it has two striking platforms, with flutes from the second platform intersecting the initial fluted surface. Microblades from the second striking platform are well formed specimens. The third microblade core is of quartz crystal. Small in size and displaying a very acute core edge angle, this core is similar to those found in the Gulf of Georgia area. Some of the last microblades removed from this quartz crystal microblade core would have been very short

and narrow. In the collection of microblades from the Baldwin phase are 4 short, narrow, quartz microblades which could have been removed from just such a core. Twelve crude basalt and argillite microblades are in the Baldwin phase collection. These microblades are wide, thick, and generally do not show the precision of many of the Plateau specimens.

Downriver from the Milliken site, at site DiRi:10, an unusual basalt microblade core with two striking platforms has been recovered. The first platform was apparently abandoned in favor of the second which utilizes as a striking platform the keel region opposite the initial platform. From the second, or last, striking platform a series of well formed, slender microblades was detached. The original fluted surface exhibits only the remains of poorly formed microblades which may have prompted the abandonment of the initial striking platform.

Microblades and cores, both in quartz and basalt, have been recovered in the Hope to Milliken site region of the Fraser River.

MACROBLADES

Oregon. In 1962 D. E. Dumond reported the presence of macroblades and prepared cores in the collections of the Oregon State Museum of Anthropology ( Figure 11). One of the two cores illustrated by Dumond (1962: Fig. 1, d) is no longer considered a core (Dumond, personal communication) but rather a product of "thermal fracturing." The macroblade core from near Burns is of unknown provenience and cultural affiliation. This obsidian core has a slightly concave striking platform created by a single flake scar. At least twelve macroblades were removed from the core. Core edge preparation is evident in the illustration, and Dumond reports that the keel is battered and crushed. The height of the core is approximately 90 mm. Macroblades were found in other Oregon locations. On the basis of his examination of the available collections, Dumond con- cludes: "These are scattered, undateable examples which cannot be taken as conclusive evidence of the general presence in the Northern Great Basin and vicinity of a developed blade -core industry, although some knowledge of a blade-core technique seems indicated."

Roadcut site (WS-4) . Dumond (1962) also examined a series of blade-like flakes from the Roadcut site at The Dalles, Oregon. He notes that the category labelled "Blade Class B" yielded 34 macroblades. Other examples were found in the category called "Plain Scrapers." Following an analysis of the blade distribution throughout the deeply stratified site, Dumond arrives at the conclusion that the majority are assignable to the Early Period, dated to




Fig. 12. Macroblades from Zone G, Milliken site (DjRi:3). (Drawings courtesy of C. E. Borden, University of British Columbia.) All striking platforms are up.

Fig. 13. Macroblades and macroblade core fragment from the Lochnore Creek site, Zone III. All striking platforms are up.




around 8000 B.C., and perhaps earlier (Cressman I960), and that by 4000 B.C. the core and blade technique loses importance.

In the collection from the Roadcut site there are five macroblade cores (Figure 11). The cores are described as having flat to slightly dished striking platforms with no roughening of the platforms. All are from the Early Period.

At the Roadcut site, Cressman (1960) divides the Early Period into Initial, Fully Developed, and Final. Leaf-shaped points (possibly Cascade points) may occur with the macroblades and cores in the Early Period. Other artifacts include representatives of a flourishing bone and antler industry.

Indian Well. A "lamellar blade" has been reported from the Indian Well site located almost opposite the Roadcut site on the Washington side of the Columbia River (Butler 1961:27; Fig. 5, e). Choppers, edge ground cobbles, and the type specimens for the Cascade point type are associated with the macroblade. No radiocarbon dates are available for the Indian Well I materials; on the basis of the point attributes in those examples illustrated by Butler (1961: Fig. 2), a date of about 5000-6000 B.C. seems reasonable.

Snake River. C. M. Nelson ( 1965) discusses the presence of blades from sites along the banks of the Snake River in Washington. Examining a collection of 129 blades and flakes from site 45 GA 3, near Central Ferry, Nelson notes that the striking platforms of the cores are retouched to form a flat or slightly concave surface and that the core edge is dulled by crushing and grinding. Many of the specimens illustrated fall outside the range of artifacts considered macroblades in this paper; indeed, many are as wide or wider than they are long.

Associated with the blades and flakes at 45 GA 3 are Cascade points, a number of which are serrated, a large side-notched point (Cold Springs), and cobble choppers. On the basis of the radiocarbon dated comparative collections and geological estimates, Nelson suggests an age range of from 3000 B.C. to 5500 B.C. for the assemblage.

Milliken site. From Horizon G of the Milliken site (DjRi:3) Borden recovered a series of "blade -like flakes" (Borden 1965:5). Fourteen of these blades were selected by C. E. Borden for my examination (Figure 12). All could be classified as macroblades as all are probably detached from prepared cores. Some indicate only core edge preparation; others also show striking platform faceting. From an examination of the striking platform -flu ted surface angle it would appear that the blades were removed from acute angle cores, perhaps as acute as 45 degrees. Several blades are unifacially retouched to create side and end scrapers.

Associated with the blades are bi-pointed, leaf- shaped points (Borden 1962: Plate 1, e-h), cobble choppers, and many flake implements, radiocarbon dated to approximately 6000 B.C. (8150 ± 310 years; S 47).

Lochnore Creek. Macroblades and at least one core fragment have been found at the earliest component of the Lochnore Creek site (Zone III) in the Lochnore- Nesikep locality. Two basalt examples, both modified as scrapers, are illustrated (Figure 13). Both have been removed from a prepared core similar to that illustrated. Other blades are present in the assemblage, but none depict so well the characteristic attributes seen on these two examples.

The core platform is slightly concave and based on a weathered surface unmodified by flaking. Core edge preparation by battering and crushing is evident; grinding is present but very limited. Some of the last macroblades to be detached were 15 mm. in width.

Leaf-shaped points, edge ground cobbles, cobble choppers, oval bifaces, and crescentic objects are among the associated artifacts (Fig. 14). No radiocarbon dates are available; however, on the basis of cultural comparisons and the geological context, an age of greater than 4000 B.C. is suspected.

Natalkuz Lake site. A collection of macroblades was excavated by Borden from a housepit fill at the Natal- kuz Lake site in central British Columbia (Borden 1952). Seven macroblades, all of rhyolite, were found in association with obsidian microblades described earlier. Three of the seven macroblades indicate core edge preparation, although in no in- stance is it particularly extensive. Several are re- . touched along the edges. A radiocarbon date of about 465 B.C. (2415 ± 160; S 4) was received on a charcoal sample taken from the central hearth of the housepit.

Ootsa Lake. A large obsidian macroblade core (Fig. 15) was recovered during a drilling operation on the north side of Ootsa Lake, in central British Columbia. Now in the collections of the University of British Columbia, the core has a slightly concave striking platform which is essentially unmodified except for core edge battering. The striking platform is based on an old, weathered surface which is ap- preciably rougher than the more recent macroblade scars. The striking platform measures 62 by 49 mm.; the height of the core is 58 mm. Although cone- shaped, most of the macroblades have been removed from only one end of the core. Nothing is known of the age or cultural affiliation of this core.

The Ootsa Lake macroblade core is the most northerly core considered in this review. It is re- markably similar to the Oregon specimens (Figure 11) from the southern end of the area considered here.




Fig. 14. Artifacts associated with microblades at the Lochnore Creek site, Zone III.

Fig. 15. Macroblade Core from Ootsa Lake, British Columbia.

45 SN 100- Four "blade-like" flakes are reported by C. G. Nelson (1962:16) from a site near Duval, Washington. No mention is made of the nature of core preparation. Associations have already been discussed under the review of the microblades also recovered from 45 SN 100.

DISCUSSION

Within the prehistoric period in the Pacific Northwest it is possible to divide the prepared core and blade technology into two major technological traditions - the microblade and the macroblade. These two groupings have, with one or two exceptions, discrete temporal and cultural associations. Further, differences in form between microblades and macroblades are readily apparent. In the conclusion to the study of blades from Oregon, Dumond (1962:424) states that "between the blade-core technique of The Dalles and that of Cape Denbigh is ob- viously a technical giant-step." Microblades discussed in this paper easily match the technological excellence of the Denbigh specimens. Throughout




much of the following presentation, microblades and macroblades will be discussed separately.

Microblade Distribution and Associations . Micro- blades have been found throughout much of the Pacific Northwest area investigated by archaeologists. In the Plateau, microblades are concentrated in the northern (British Columbia) half; in spite of the relatively intensive coverage of sites along the Columbia and Snake rivers, only a few microblade sites have been located. Substantially less work has been done in the British Columbia Interior Pla- teau, yet the collections are much larger. At the Lehman site, in the Lochnore-Nesikep locality, for example, less than 150 man hours of excavation netted 450 microblades, a total greater than all the microblades reported from controlled excavations in the Columbia Plateau. Thus, although microblade stations can be plotted in both the Columbia Plateau and in the Interior Plateau of British Colum- bia, it is currently only in the latter area that they can be considered typical.

On the Coast, microblades occur in Puget Sound and throughout the Gulf of Georgia. Although this region is perhaps the best known coastal area in the Pacific Northwest, relatively few microblades have been recovered. Once again, the impression is that microblades do not constitute a numerically important category. Large expanses of archaeolog- ically unknown coast line north of the Gulf of Georgia will probably yield microblades in future excavations.

In the Pacific Northwest Plateau microblades are associated with a wide range of cultures and have a considerable time span. The earliest known microblade in the British Columbia Interior Plateau, the specimen from the 7500 year old Drynoch Slide site, is with an assemblage too small to be considered diagnostic. At the Lochnore-Nesikep locality the cultural associations are better established. Microblades occur with low frequency (less than 5 percent) in the 6000-7000 year old Zone VII component of the Nesikep Creek site. Diagnostic materials include well made lanceolate projectile points with technological attributes reminiscent of some Piano specimens. Microblades attain maximum propor- tions in Zone II of the Lehman site, where they constitute roughly 5 0 percent of all artifacts. Projec- tile points are generally of an indented and expanding stem form, although there are also some parallel stem points. A bone (collagen) date of about 6500 years has been received. Later components in the Lochnore-Nesikep locality have fewer microblades. Microblades at the housepit site Pine Mountain (Zone III) constitute approximately one-third of the assemblage. At the Lochnore Creek site, in a housepit component radiocarbon dated to around 2600 years ago, microblades make up less than

5 percent of the total artifacts. Components dating between A.D. 1 and A.D. 1000 are rare in the Loch- nore-Nesikep locality, but it is doubtful that microblades were being manufactured in any appreciable quantity. Microblades have not been recovered in the late prehistoric Kamloops phase (see Sanger 1964, 1966, 1967 for additional details on chronology and associations).

In the Columbia Plateau the two main microblade collections, Windy Springs and Ryegrass Coulee, are associated with leaf-shaped points, large, side-notched points, and corner-removed points of Rabbit Island stemmed form. These assemblages probably date to between 3000 and 5000 years ago.

Coastal representatives of the microblade tradition occur in some assemblages reminiscent of the Locarno Beach phase dated between 1200 B.C. and 400 B.C. At the two localities which Borden uses to define the Locarno Beach phase - Locarno Beach site and Whalen I - microblades are not present. Microblades are reported from several Marpole phase components, which may date from about 400 B.C. to the early centuries of the Christian era. At Whalen II, which chronologically follows the Marpole phase, microblades are present in more substantial numbers. Inland from the Fraser delta and the Gulf of Georgia sites, microblades and cores have been found in low percentages in the first millennium B.C. Baldwin phase at the Milliken site and in several other locations around the towns of Hope and Yale. In the Gulf of Georgia region, and probably up the Fraser River as far as Hope, microblade manufacture appears to terminate around A.D. 500. Certainly, by around A.D. 1200 and the beginning of an archaeological culture recognizable as Coast Salish microblades were no longer being manufactured, and stone chipping itself rarely practiced.

Macroblade Distribution and Associations. Through- out the entire Pacific Northwest there is definite, but limited evidence, for the presence of a prepared core and macroblade tradition. The evidence is limited for two reasons: (1) only a few sites con- taining macroblades have been reported; and (2) when macroblades do occur, the quantities are usually small. The tendency for macroblades to be modified into other artifact forms may be another contributing factor. The large (comparatively) collection of macroblades from 45 GA 3 on the Snake River contains numerous examples which fall outside the range of artifacts normally thought to qualify as macroblades. Thus, the selection criteria, the habit of using macroblades as artifact pre-forms, together with a natural scarcity, has resulted in relatively few macroblades in Pacific Northwest collections. This limited amount of evidence should be kept in mind throughout the following discussion.




The prepared core and macroblade technique is an old one in the Pacific Northwest. Components at the Roadcut site and at the Milliken site indicate an antiquity in the order of 8000 to 10,000 years for the macroblades. More recent sites, such as Loch- nore Creek (Zone III) and 45 GA 3, probably date between 5000 and 7000 years ago. The single In- dian Well I macroblade should date to about 7000 or 8000 years ago. Apparent exceptions to this generally early dating pattern are the Natalkuz Lake and the 45 SN 100 specimens.

The association of the Old Cordilleran culture and macroblades has been proposed by Butler (1961, 1965). This association is based upon the occur- rence of a single macroblade at the Indian Well site and the impression that leaf-shaped or Cascade points were manufactured from macroblade pre-forms, a notion which finds little support in the available evidence. Macroblades do occur in some sites yielding leaf-shaped points, but this is not always the case. At Cascadia Cave, for example, Newman (1966) reports no macroblades or prepared cores in an assemblage which includes over 100 leaf-shaped points. More important, perhaps, the size and outlines of macroblades seen in Pacific Northwest collections are quite unsuitable for the production of most of the leaf-shaped points. Considering the problem from a slightly different viewpoint, however, most of the macroblade components discussed in this paper contain leaf-shaped projectile points. Leaf-shaped points are perhaps the dominant form in the Early period at the Roadcut site, and they constitute the entire stone projectile point collection from Zone G at the Milliken site. At site 45 GA 3 on the Snake River macroblades occur with small, leaf-shaped points, some of which are serrated, and large, side-notched points. At Zone III of the Loch- nore Creek site in British Columbia, leaf-shaped points predominate over all other forms. On the northern periphery of the area termed the Pacific Northwest, the Natalkuz Lake macroblades are also with a series of leaf-shaped points. It is perhaps significant that macroblades are generally associated with the larger, and earlier, leaf-shaped points. The prepared core and macroblade technique, when found together with small, sometimes serrated, and finely-fashioned leaf-shaped Cascade points, seems almost degenerate, yielding short, wide, amorphous -shaped blades.

In summary, it is not an easy task to decide whether or not macroblades are in fact associated with the Old Cordilleran culture. If every component with leaf-shaped points is included in the Old Cordilleran, then macroblades should not be considered a diagnostic trait. If, on the other hand, the Old Cordilleran concept is used to refer to an early Pacific Northwest adaptation of a very gen- eralized sort, then it is probably correct to say that

macroblades are found with some specific and localized cultures participating in the Old Cordilleran adaptation pattern. If this latter concept of specific, localized, and multiple early cultures is a valid one, then macroblades are definitely associated with some of the earliest representatives.

Microblade Comparisons . Microblade comparisons are limited to the Pacific Northwest adherring to the regional scope of this paper. At the Lochnore- Nesikep locality there is a remarkable homogeneity to all the microblade collections spanning perhaps 5000 years. Numerous statistical tests indicate that all of the microblades could have derived from the same population. Comparable data are not currently available for other Plateau collections, but from brief examinations of other microblade cores, I suspect that a single technological microblade tradition is represented at the Lochnore-Nesikep locality, at the Ryegrass Coulee site, and at many other Plateau sites. This tradition is characterized by microblades removed from cores which utilize weathered surfaces for the striking platform, exhibit considerable core edge preparation, and have fluted surfaces which contract to the keel. These traits, which are listed in the description of the Lochnore- Nesikep microblade cores earlier in this paper, will be reviewed in the concluding remarks.

The coastal microblades and cores represent a different technology. From the evidence drawn from both microblade and core examination, many of the coastal microblade cores are typified by: exten- sively modified striking platforms; lesser emphasis on core edge preparation compared with the Plateau specimens; unmodified to little modified lateral surfaces; and fluted surfaces which are parallel or tend to expand, rather than to contract, towards the keel. To a considerable extent, these features may reflect the use of quartz crystals for microblade cores. Not all the coastal microblades are of quartz. Those manufactured of obsidian, from Whalen II for example, frequently exhibit characteristics of microblades detached from quartz crystals. The tendency of Whalen II microblades to be parallel-sided, or even to expand towards the distal extremity, is an attribute associated with crystal based quartz microblades. The basalt microblade cores from Cadboro Bay, with wide and rounded keels, are perhaps influenced by the form of the quartz crystal microblade cores. Although there are currently no stratigraphic grounds to support this hypothesis, the apparent extension of the quartz crystal microblade form to microblades in obsidian may suggest that microblade cores of quartz crystal are the earliest ones on the Coast.

Significance of Micro blades. Previous explanations and discussions on the presence of microblades in




the Pacific Northwest have stressed the notion of "northern influence." Accompanying the announce- ment of the microblades from the Natalkuz Lake site in central British Columbia, Borden ( 1952) noted the northern cross ties and suggested that the discovery was "of potentially far-reaching significance" (Bor- den 19 52:37). In a later paper Borden (1962:16, 17) developed the "northern influence" theme into a clearly stated and testable hypothesis. By plotting the then radiocarbon dated microblade localities in the Arctic, central British Columbia (Natalkuz Lake), and in the lower reaches of the Fraser River, Borden arrived at a "time gradient running from north to south" with microblades arriving at the Fraser Delta some 2000 years ago. With the 450 B.C. date for Natalkuz Lake and the A.D. 370 date for Whalen II, the "gradient" hypothesis appeared to be a reasonable explanation. According to this hypothesis, microblades in the Lytton to Lillooet region should be only a little more than 2000 years old. The 1962 excavations at the Nesikep Creek site (Sanger 1964), followed by the receipt of radiocarbon determina- tions, and then, finally, the discovery of a microblade beneath Mazama ash at the Drynoch Slide site, demonstrated that the temporal aspects of the "gradient hypothesis" would need revision. The second part of Borden1 s "northern influence" hypothesis deserves closer examination and cannot be fairly assessed on the basis of the single cultural sequence (Lochnore-Nesikep) currently available for south central British Columbia. Borden (1962: 17) claims that along part of the north to south diffusion route of microblades came a series of other traits, many of which were fundamental to the development of Northwest Coast culture. To these traits, Borden does not attach the time-distance restrictions he places on microblades.

Shortly after the 1957 excavations in the lower Grand Coulee region, Butler (1958) published an account of the Windy Springs site microblades, noting "northern influences." In the more complete report on all the sites involved, Osborne (1967:18) interprets the assemblage in Horizon B at the Windy Springs site as a "late manifestation of northern micro-lithic affinities mingled with influences from the Desert Culture coming up from the south."

An interpretation of quite a different order is that offered by MacNeish (1964) in his concept of a Northwest Microblade tradition, with its southern range in British Columbia and Washington. Mac- Neish1 s "tradition" implies a way of life, a prehistoric culture, used in its broadest sense. In the Northwest Microblade tradition MacNeish includes microblades and various core forms, spall scrapers, notched net sinkers, certain types of burins, large projectile points (some of which are of Piano affiliation), and a lake fishing-forest animal hunting

and trapping subsistence pattern. The tradition is said to date from 5500 B.C. in the Yukon. If the Northwest Microblade tradition spread into southern British Columbia and Washington, artifacts considered diagnostic of the tradition should be present and preferably associated. The assemblage at the Drynoch Slide site is too small for comparison. The 4000 to 5000 B.C. Nesikep Creek site, which contains microblades in association with Piano-like points, lacks burins, notched net sinkers, and large spall scrapers. Succeeding components in the Lochnore-Nesikep locality contain microblades with projectile point styles which are quite different from those illustrated in the southwest Yukon report (MacNeish 1964). Notched net sinkers are never a part of the Lochnore-Nesikep cultural inventory, and convincing burins are not found in any numbers in the Plateau. In short, as the only Northwest Micro- blade tradition artifacts commonly found in the Plateau are the microblades, the concept cannot be used to integrate Plateau cultures or to act as a vehicle for the diffusion of microblades into the Pacific Northwest.

All of these hypotheses are variations on what I have called the "northern influence" theme. The case for microblades being eventually derived from stimuli emanating from the northern regions seems unshakeable. We cannot, however, be sure of the ways and means by which these stimuli reached the Pacific Northwest. Efforts are being made to examine the various Pacific Northwest microblade collections in greater detail in order that the oft- stated relationships with the northern regions may be more critically assessed.

Although the "northern influence" theme has tended to overshadow other hypotheses of more local scope, both Borden and Osborne have considered the significance of microblades in the more localized context. Borden has frequently pointed to Interior Plateau influences on the Coast, and the Whalen II assemblage has been described as largely interior in origin (Borden 19 50, personal communication). Whalen II microblades, made from obsidian probably deriving from Oregon quarry sources, appear to strengthen the interior origin hypothesis. On the other hand, the form of the Whalen II microblades is definitely coastal. As an alternative, or perhaps a variant of the hypothesis expounded by Borden, I suggest that there are numerous similarities between site 45 SN 100 in Puget Sound and Whalen II. Whalen II projectile points, like those from 45 SN 100, suggest relationships with Columbia Plateau styles, not with forms currently known from the British Columbia Interior Plateau. In addition, both sites lack ground slates, a potentially important negative trait at Whalen II as preceding and succeeding phases contain many ground slate objects. Possibly Whalen II, thus far unique is the




Fraser Delta region, represents people, or perhaps only ideas, moving up from the Puget Sound region, where Plateau influences are apparent (C. G. Nelson, 1962).

Osborne (1967:45) discusses the mixture of southern and northern influences in the lower Grand Coulee region, and suggests that the latter may be realted to Swanson's (1962) "Northern Forest Cul- ture," which is said to be basic to the Columbia Plateau Salish culture.

Prior to assessing the culture-historical significance of microblades in the Pacific Northwest, my personal views on Pacific Northwest culture history should be made explicit. From the limited amount of work done in south central British Colum- bia it has become clear that the Columbia Plateau prehistoric cultures, up to the Christian era, were quite distinct from cultures in the British Columbia Interior Plateau. The divide seems to be roughly the present International Boundary; for the prehistoric cultures it may have meant the Columbia River drainage as opposed to the Fraser River drainage. The Plateau Culture area of ethnographers is late in the prehistoric sequence, but even within the Plateau Culture area, its major exponent, V. Ray (1939), detected an important lateral division at about the International Boundary. As I have postu- lated on several occasions (Sanger 1966, 1967, in press), this division is old, represents different spheres of prehistoric influence, and may have an explanation partially based on environmental factors.

In the British Columbia portion of the Plateau microblades, in addition to constituting evidence for the frequently hypothesized northern influences, may be considered an artifact class which assists in the recognition of continuity in a way of life for over 7000 years. Not only is it virtually impossible to distinguish early microblades from late, but from Zone VII at the Nesikep Creek site through to the late prehistoric Kamloops phase there is a logical progression of projectile point changes and resource utilization which implies a regionally adapted culture culminating in the Interior Salish populations. Two early components in the Lochnore- Nesikep locality, Nesikep Creek Zone V and Loch- nore Creek Zone III, do not participate in the microblade tradition, in the regional projectile point sequence, or in the same stone chipping technique.

The presence of microblades in Columbia Pla- teau sites probably has a very different meaning. On the basis of the present evidence, microblades appear restricted to a relatively narrow temporal span of perhaps 3000 B.C. to 1000 B.C. At the two best known localities, Windy Springs and Ryegrass Coulee, microblades are associated with assemblages which are otherwise typical to the Columbia Plateau and have no known counterparts in the

Fraser drainage of British Columbia. This suggests that microblades in the Columbia Plateau are probably not indicative of a population or "Northern Forest culture" migration as Osborne (1967:44, 45) implies. As an alternative, I suggest that the Colum- bia Plateau microblades indicate a southward diffusion of the microblade tradition, a tradition which was grafted onto an indigenous culture. The process by which this was accomplished is not clear, nor are the causes for the suspected abandonment of the microblade tradition around 1000 B.C. or slightly later. The route by which the microblade tradition diffused southward from British Columbia is probably the Okanagan Valley, where Grabert's Marron Lake microblade site is located.

The cultural relationships between Plateau and Coast microblades are not clear. Some historical connection seems likely, but there is currently in- sufficient evidence to offer any positive hypotheses. A route from the British Columbia Plateau to the Fraser Delta via the Fraser Canyon does not seem particularly likely. Microblades do not appear in the Fraser Canyon sequence until the Baldwin phase of the first millennium B.C., whereas microblades at the head of the canyon near Lytton date to 5500 B.C. In addition, the Baldwin phase microblades and cores are probably not representatives of the microblade tradition present at the Lehman site.

Although the locus for Coastal microblades appears to be the Gulf of Georgia area, it would not be surprising to discover one, or perhaps more, Plateau to Coast microblade introductions north or south of the Gulf of Georgia. Two alternate hypotheses, independent invention on the Coast and contacts with far northern coastal microblade using groups, are not very likely. Whatever the diffusion route, the introduction probably occurred before 1000 B.C.

Conclusions

The evidence from the Pacific Northwest indicates the presence of two distinct prepared core- blade traditions. The earliest and most widespread of these is the macroblade tradition which is represented in limited quantities in a number of early post glacial sites. Associations are varied, but the earliest forms of leaf-shaped points are usually present. There is no evidence for any historic rela- tionship between macroblade s and microblades in the Pacific Northwest. Possibly, the macroblade s are part of a very early and widespread stone working technology whose boundaries extend far byond the parameters of the Pacific Northwest as it is used in this paper.

The microblade tradition has played an important role in the development of the historic Plateau culture area. This contribution is particularly pronounced




in the British Columbia Interior Plateau where the prehistoric assemblages lead eventually into the Interior Salish speakers. In the Columbia Plateau, where a different set of cultural influences effected the prehistoric inhabitants, microblades did not figure prominently, if at all, in the development of the indigenous cultures.

The "northern influences," so often associated with microblades in the Pacific Northwest, appear at present to be limited to microblades. Perhaps as more is known of northern British Columbia and Yukon sites more "northern influences" will materialize.

In spite of the differences in cultural significance and cultural associations between microblades in the two sectors of the Plateau, examination of various collections' suggests that a single microblade tradition is represented. The term "Plateau Microblade tradition" is proposed. It is intended to be used to refer to the particular microblade core form and its product; no other artifact classes are included. The characteristics of the Plateau Micro- blade tradition are as follows:

1. Microblade cores utilizing a weathered surface for a striking platform which is usually modified only at the core edge. Multiple blow striking platform preparation is scarce, and core rejuvenation tablets are not known.

2. Microblades are usually removed from only one end of the core.

3. Core rotation, resulting in more than one striking platform, is very unusual.

4. Fluted surfaces commonly contrast to a wedge-shaped keel.

5. The technique of preparing the fluted surfaces is currently unknown, but the apparent absence of ridge flakes may be very important in this respect.

In order to quantify these observations, a detailed attribute analysis of various Plateau Micro- blade tradition collections is in progress. Hope- fully, this analysis will result in a set of attributes and metrical data which will aid in defining the Plateau Microblade tradition with greater precision and eventually make possible detailed comparisons with other microblade areas in North America.

TABLE 1. Lochnore-Nesikep Locality Microblades - Length Measurements (mm.)

TABLE 2. Lochnore-Nesikep Locality Microblades - Width Measurements (mm.)

TABLE 3. Lochnore-Nesikep Locality Microblades - Thickness Measurements (mm.)



Scinger: Pacific Northwest Core and Blade Traditions 115

TABLE 4. Lochnore-Nesikep Locality Microblades - Thickness/Width Index

TABLE 5. Lochnore-Nesikep Locality Microblades - Qualitative Attribute Distribution




TABLE 6. Dimensions of Microblade Cores from the Lehman Site, Zone II

TABLE 7. Lochnore-Nesikep Locality Microblade Core Edge Angles

TABLE 8. Dimensions of Microblade Cores from Central British Columbia

Note: Core edge angles are approximate.




TABLE 9. Dimensions of Ryegrass Coulee Microblade Cores

Note: Core edge angles are approximate.

TABLE 10. Dimensions of Whalen Farm Microblades

TABLE 11. Dimensions of Complete Whalen Farm Microblades




TABLE 12. Whalen Farm Site Microblades - Qualitative Attributes

TABLE 13. Dimensions of Microblade Cores from the Gulf of Georgia




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