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Study Group Chairman Betsy Rogers began the meeting by thanking Don Brazda for leading the Study Group and putting on the program last month. In our “What’s New” segment, John Good reminded us about the show coming up Memorial Day Weekend and stated it was not too late should anyone want to put a case in the show. Don Brazda brought in an article about Deer Food Plot results related to his and Marge’s archaeology efforts. Dorothy Auler and John Good reminded us that the ESCONI shed needs to be moved by October 1st and a good home has yet to be found for it, and asked for names of any possible volunteers.
We then discussed programs for next fall. In September, the Study Group will have “Show and Tell” night. On the first Sunday in October, the Study Group will go on a field trip to an artifact show. More details later. Later in October, Betsy Rogers will present a program. It was decided that the study group would continue the study of West Coast Archaeology sites, moving South down the West coast. Then Irene Broede presented her research into the prehistory of southeastern Alaska. An outline of her program follows:
A PREHISTORY OF SOUTHEAST ALASKA
· Prehistoric Stage – 10,000 to 5,000 years ago The earliest inhabitants were probably living in small groups, traveling in boats, canoes and kayaks, and living off the rich coastal resources. People were engaged in long range trade and travel. Artifacts found include micro-blades, microcores, bifacial tools burins, scrapers, notched stones and choppers. · Transitional Stage – 6,500 to 5,000 years ago Tool technology changed from flaked to ground stone and bone tools. There was also an increase in settlement size and the establishment of more complex social systems during this stage. · Northwest Coast Culture – 5,000 to 200 years ago (divided into three (3) stages)
Artifacts include ground stone points, small adzes, abraders, unilaterally barbed harpoon heads, and labrets.
Artifacts were composite toggling harpoons, unilaterally barbed bone points, labrets, incised bones and stones, and drilled mammal teeth. More permanent structures, fish and shellfish, remains of sea and land mammals were found. There was also an increased reliance on Salmon, and the use of animal crest designs are found farther south along the coast.
Artifacts include: stone bowls and lamps, harpoons with lashing holes and metal tools, stone adzes, hammer stones, and mortar and pestles. Also found were large plank clan houses, dugout canoes, and bentwood boxes. During this period, there was increased warfare and raiding slavery. · Protohistory and Oral History - A transition period between prehistory and the historical record. The first Europeans arrived in mid-18 century. At that time, the Ravens tail and Chilkat blankets were in use and the people were carving large house poles and canoes.
The Study Group members ended the meeting by thanking Irene for presenting an enlightening program (and bringing treats for all). Thanks again, Irene.
Respectfully submitted, Shiela Bergmann and Betsy Rogers
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