Archaeological investigations in the Quill Lakes region, east central Saskatchewan

Archaeological research was carried out in the Quill Lakes region of east central Saskatchewan using data derived primarily from surface collections augmented with site survey. In all, 15 collections, representing an estimated 35 000 to 45 000 artifacts, were examined. From this, 1291 diagnostic projectile points and 17 ceramic vessels were identified. These diagnostic artifacts served as the focus of this thesis. The results from this study indicate a long occupation of the Quill Lakes region. The Agate Basin complex initiates occupation in the area some time after 12900 B.P. (10 500 rcybp). Cody complex and Terminal Paleo-Indian complexes are also identified. Distinctive, large corner-notched projectile points represent the transition between the Paleo-Indian and Middle Plains Indian periods. These points, manufactured primarily from Knife River Flint, have yet to be described in the archaeological literature. Large corner-notched points of this type contain characteristics of both Paleo-Indian and Middle Plains Indian lithic technologies. The Middle Plains Indian period is the most intensively occupied period with the largest number of components and projectile points of any period. Diagnostic artifacts are identified from the Mummy Cave series, and Oxbow, McKean and Pelican Lake complexes. The presence of Besant series projectile points marks the start of the Late Plains Indian period. A large Bratton component was identified, the first such component since initial descriptions of this point type. During the Avonlea phase, the Quill Lakes region was the least intensively occupied. Ceramics were also notably absent from the collections. Finally, the role of the aspen parkland as a zone of transition and/or interaction between forest-and plains-adapted groups during the past 3000 years was explored. Data from the collections indicate no evidence of any interaction between these two groups of people. Diagnostic artifacts for this period fit well within existing culture historical schemes outlined for the Northern Plains. These findings are in accordance with those of Meyer and Epp (1990)