The Archaic / Ceramic Period transition in New Brunswick and Maine: an analysis of stemmed biface morphology

Rutherford, Douglas E. (1989) The Archaic / Ceramic Period transition in New Brunswick and Maine: an analysis of stemmed biface morphology. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

A study of lithic assemblages from nine Archaic and Ceramic Period sites was conducted in order to determine possible material culture continuity between these time periods in the Maine-Maritimes region. A further aim was to examine and define the Terminal Archaic Period in the region, with the goal of identifying the attributes of that period and clarifying the regional chronology. -- The study resulted in the recognition of traits from the Moorehead Phase Late Archaic and Susquehanna Tradition continuing into the Early Ceramic Period. Early Ceramic Period narrow stemmed projectile points are strongly similar to Moorehead Phase points. Susquehanna Tradition related points are known from northeastern New Brunswick and the St. Croix drainage, and chipped and ground adzes from the Early Ceramic Period are related to those of the Susquehanna Tradition. -- This allows for commentary regarding the transitional period between the Archaic and Ceramic Periods, Hypotheses are proposed regarding the postulated decline of the Moorehead Phase, the potential for relationships between Moorehead Phase peoples and those of the Susquehanna Tradition, and possible explanations for the small number of sites which may be attributable to this time period in the Maine-Maritimes region.

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