CI[)l1:721 - Memorial University of Newfoundland DAI

This similarity may indicate that the Moorehead Phase concept 01 slenunod
bilace morphology is present in the Early Ceramic Period. suggesting thot some
continuity exists over the intervening time. This conlinulij' could take two forms.
The first is a continuity 01 population, with descendants 01 Moorehead Phase
peoples OCt:upying tho region over this period of time. Second. new peoples
may have migrated into the region and adopted this lorm of tochnology over
their own. A last possible cause is independent invention of this form by people
occupying the region during the Earty Ceramic Period.
With one caveat. the latter mechanism is rejected. Group 3, stemmed
bilaces are contemporary with Group 1 rorms (P. Anen 1988: personal com­
munication). It is assumed that, given that a stemmed Mace form already ElIcists
within the cultural inventory, there are lew reasons for inventing a new rorm.
However, tool function Inay play a role here. UWe research has been
conducted on the function 01 Maine-Maritimes lithic artifacts. It is possible that
a new form of stemmed biface was requr-ed IcK a particular purpose, resulting
in the re-invention of Group 1 stemmed bifaces in the Early ceramic Period.
Until more of this type of research has been ,:onducted. this cause for the
independent Invention or Group 1 stemmed bifaces remains an untested
hypothesis.
Far more probable are the first two mechanisms for trait continuity:
continuous occupation of indigenous peoples or the adoption of this
morphoiogicCiI concept by immigrant peoples. However, evidence exists which
may negate the second hypothesis.