In situ evidence for Paleoindian hematite quarrying at the Powars II site (48PL330), Wyoming

Significance

Red ocher (also known as hematite) is relatively common in Paleoindian sites exceeding ca. 11,000 calibrated years B.P. in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains of North America. Red ocher fulfilled a wide range of functions within Paleoindian societies, as indicated by its association with graves, caches, campsites, hide-working implements, and kill sites. To date, the Powars II site is the only red ocher quarry identified in the North American archaeological record north of Mesoamerica. Prior studies of Powars II were based on analyses of artifacts recovered from a redeposited context. This study presents in situ evidence for red ocher quarrying at Powars II.

Abstract

We present results from controlled excavations at the Powars II Paleoindian hematite quarry (48PL330), located in the foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains in Wyoming. We document a deeply buried, bedrock-adjacent stratum containing in situ evidence for hematite quarrying beginning ca. 12,840 to 12,505 calibrated years (cal) B.P. associated with the Clovis and Plainview cultural complexes. Later occupation by the Hell Gap cultural complex intruded within previous quarry tailings and likely dates to ca. 11,600 cal B.P. The earliest Clovis and Plainview occupations contain a diverse assemblage of stone and faunal artifacts indicative of hematite quarrying, weaponry production and repair, and other tasks, while the later Hell Gap occupation is primarily focused on hematite quarrying and the placement of items in piles within an abandoned quarry feature. In situ archaeological deposits at Powars II are distinguished from overlying ex situ strata by sediment characteristics, bone preservation, patina development on chipped stone artifacts, diagnostic weaponry assemblages, and damage to flake margins. Nonlocal chipped stone raw materials indicate ties to much of the North American Great Plains, suggesting that Powars II hematite may be found in sites throughout the American midcontinent.