Archaeological Test Excavation and Evaluation of Three Prehistoric Sites at Swift Bar, on the Lower Snake River, Southeastern Washington

摘要

Test excavations and controlled surface collections were conducted at three sites on Swift Bar, on the Lower Snake River in southeastern Washington. All three sites are subject to adverse effects through erosion and habitat restoration activities. Cascade phase artifacts dating 8000-4500 years BP were recovered from all three sites; comparable cobble tools and lithic material selection among the sites also suggest similarities in occupation. In addition, cultural material dating to the Harder phase, 2500 BP to the onset of the historic period was also recovered from one of the sites. This later occupation corresponds to the ethnographic Nez Perce village site known as mexmexspu, first reported by the Lewis and Clark expedition in October 1805. (Author)