Year of Award

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Name

Anthropology

Department or School/College

Department of Anthropology

Committee Chair

Dr. Anna Prentiss

Commitee Members

Dr. Meradeth Snow, Dr. Alexandra Fraik

Keywords

archaeology, ancient DNA, salmonids, Housepit 54, British Columbia

Subject Categories

Anthropology | Archaeological Anthropology | Social and Cultural Anthropology

Abstract

The application of ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis on archaeological faunal remains has proven successful in a variety of studies that have resulted in species identification and subsistence use at ancient village sites. Fisher-hunter-gatherer societies of the Pacific Northwest have depended heavily on seasonal salmon runs as a primary staple for foodstuffs and winter storage essentials. Determining which salmonid species were chosen provides a better understanding of ancient socio-economic strategies that impact food procurement and varying preferences of food items that can lead to resource access limitations. Ultimately, this thesis is a preliminary research project to establish the groundwork for successfully utilizing aDNA analysis to identify Pacific salmonid species that have been pursued by Housepit 54 members at the Bridge River site, British Columbia. For this study, samples of archaeological fish vertebrae were selected from floors IIe, IIb, IId, IIh, IIi, IIk, IIm, and IIn to gain a general understanding of the salmonid species distribution during Bridge River 2 (1600-1300 cal. B.P.) and Bridge River 3 (1300-1000 cal. B.P.) periods.

A total of 49 archaeological fish vertebrae underwent aDNA analysis, resulting in 45 samples identified as Sockeye salmon and the other four as undetermined. During the progression of this project, opportunities have been presented to further this research and incorporate aDNA methodological advancements. The initial objectives of this project were to use aDNA analysis to identify variation in salmonid species and test evolutionary models. These models are based on the Diet Breadth Model of Human Behavioral Ecology (HBE) and cultural transmission theory and have implications for understanding the development of social ranking among members at Housepit54. Tests of these models have been addressed in this thesis but are regarded as only moderately conclusive due to the ongoing nature of this project. With that in mind, the goal is to continue collaboration efforts with interdisciplinary scholars at the University of Montana in the hope of using alternative aDNA methods to achieve species identification of an extended sample size.

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© Copyright 2024 Kara K. Fox