Variability in Stone Microblades at a Prehistoric Interior Pacific Northwest Fishing Village

Abstract

Archaeological excavations at a Prehistoric village site associated with a salmon fishery on the Nautley River in central British Columbia recovered small stone tools called microblades from three areas: house depressions, a refuse area, and a riverside terrace.  This paper explores variation in the form of the microblades from these areas, as well as the location of use wear on the tool's edges.  Differences were found between the microblades of the spatial assemblages, which I suggest may be related to their design and function.

Discipline: Anthropology

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Paul Prince