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The Geochronological and Geoarchaeological Context of the Clovis-Age La Prele Mammoth Site (48CO1401), Converse County, Wyoming


Abstract ABSTRACT The La Prele Mammoth site (48CO1401), located in Converse County, Wyoming, contains a Clovis-age occupation associated with the remains of a subadult mammoth (Mammuthus columbi). In this paper, we present the geochronological and geoarchaeological context of the site. The La Prele Mammoth site is buried in an alluvial terrace of La Prele Creek, a tributary of the North Platte River, which acts as an important migration corridor through the Rocky Mountains. Archaeological remains, buried by a series of flood deposits, occur within or below a well-developed buried A horizon, referred to as the Mammoth Soil. Bioturbation of the site has resulted in vertical artifact movement, though peaks in artifact density are evident in vertical artifact distributions and likely represent the occupation surface. Radiocarbon dating of this occupation, including several new dates, suggests an age of 12,941 ± 56 calendar years ago (cal yr BP). KEYWORDS: Clovis geochronology radiocarbon Wyoming northwest Plains USA
Authors Sarah A. Allaun University of WyomingORCID , Todd A. Surovell University of WyomingORCID , C. Vance Haynes ORCID , Spencer R. Pelton University of WyomingORCID , Madeline E. Mackie ORCID , Robert L. Kelly University of WyomingORCID , Matthew J. O’Brien ORCID , Paul H. Sanders University of Wyoming , José M. Capriles , Shannon A. Mahan ORCID
Journal Info Taylor & Francis | PaleoAmerica , vol: 9 , iss: 3 , pages: 174 - 193
Publication Date 7/3/2023
ISSN 2055-5563
TypeKeyword Image article
Open Access closed Closed Access
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/20555563.2023.2245191
KeywordsKeyword Image Archaeological Residue Analysis (Score: 0.47496)