Book

The Rat Indian Creek site and the late prehistoric period in the interior northern Yukon

National Museums of Canada • Ottawa • Published In 1984 • Pages: xxvi, 504

By: Le Blanc, Raymond Joseph.

Abstract

This is the published version of LeBlanc's dissertation which analyzes the archaeological collection from the Rat Indian Creek site (MjVg - 1). LeBlanc excavated a large block of this well preserved, stratified site over three field seasons, 1976 - 1978. This allowed him to follow the cultural horizons across the entire excavated area. In analyzing the assemblage, he concentrated on detailed technological studies of the lithic and bone industries. These technological studies are supported by numerous graphs, figures, and plates. Rat Indian Creek is then compared with other area sites (Klo-kut, Old Chief Creek, and Lazarus). Based on these comparisons, LeBlanc proposes two phases for the late prehistoric sequence for the middle Porcupine River area: Old Chief Phase circa 900 B.C. to A.D. 700 and Klo-kut Phase A.D. 700 to the mid-nineteenth century. There was a major technological shift between the Old Chief and Klo-kut Phases: there was a shift away from bifacial technology, an increase in bone and antler manufacturing, there are morphological differences in certain tool classes such as scrapers, there is use of alternate sources of lithic raw material, and there is a dramatic increase in such items as PIECES ESQUILLEES. There are also enough elements of continuity that it appears that the Klo-kut Phase is an in situ development. Rat Indian Creek site is also compared to sites in Alaska, the Yukon, and Northwest Territories. LeBlanc also proposes that together, the Klo-kut Phase, Dixthada, Kavik, and several other sites can be considered to represent a late prehistoric technocomplex spanning from circa A.D. 700 to the arrival of the Europeans.

Region

North America

Sub Region

Arctic and Subarctic

Document Type

Book

Evaluation

Creator Type

Archaeologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Notes

Raymond Joseph Le Blanc

'A Diamond Jenness memorial volume'

Includes bibliographical references (p. 443-460)

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Toronto

LCCN

85123722

LCSH

Athapaskan Indians--Antiquities