The Late and Terminal Archaic periods of Connecticut pre-history: a model of continuity

Pfeiffer, John

essay

The Late and Terminal Archaic periods of Connecticut pre-history: a model of continuity

experiments and observations on the terminal archaic of the middle atlantic region • Bethlehem, Ct • Published In 1990 • Pages: 85-104

By: Pfeiffer, John.

Abstract
Pfeiffer discusses the Late and Terminal Archaic, mostly in southeastern Connecticut near the mouth of the Connecticut river. He was involved in excavations at many sites over several years and the findings from these excavations are presented. He discusses evidence for the Lake Forest adaptation in Connecticut with the Bliss, Bliss-Howard, and the Griffin sites. These adjacent sites include a multi-season base camp with two associated cremation cemeteries. The cemeteries suggest sedentism and territoriality for the Lake Forest peoples. Pfeiffer then discusses a wide range of River Plain adaptation sites. The River Plain adaptation was an outgrowth of the Lake Forest adaptation with evidence of continuity between the two groups. Pfeiffer also discusses radiocarbon dates and some problems with them. At the Griffin site, identical radiocarbon samples were sent to two different labs with different results. He believes radiocarbon dates should be used only as a tool and careful analysis of a site's history has to be done in the field to understand a site's dates. A table of radiocarbon dates for the Late and Terminal Archaic periods is presented.

Burial practices and funerals

Chronologies and culture sequences

Eastern Late Archaic

HRAF PubDate

2000

Region