Northeast Subsistence-Settlement Change: A.D. 700 –1300

Fea. 2
Fea. 5
0 1 2
N
Figure 10.4. General artifact patterning at the Park Creek II site, fifteenth century
occupation (A3 horizon).
and expedient tools. The presence of early-stage
reduction flakes and smooth cortex indicated that the
occupants may have tested locally available cobbles.
However, no cores were identified. While utilized
flakes were present in the A3 assemblage, none were
associated with the A4 horizon.
The presence of hearths associated with both the A4
and A3 horizons suggested either an overnight camp
or the need for heat to process resources. Multiple
tasks centered on hearth areas, suggesting that
warmth may also have been a factor. The presence of
heat-treated/burned flakes may be related to raw
material quality or availability or to the hearth-centered
activities at Park Creek II that increased the
potential for accidental burning.
While ephemeral structures may have been used,
they left no traces behind. Short-term occupation was
evidenced by low artifact and feature densities, small
quantities of maize, nuts, and seeds, and the absence
of post molds.
Shallower and smaller hearth features, lower overall
density of artifacts, and fewer artifact types associated
with the earlier occupation (A4 horizon) suggested
a shorter-term occupation or less reuse of the
Chapter 10 Upland Land Use Patterns during the Early Late Prehistoric (A.D. 700–1300) 201