Oxbow complex
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 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (March 2014) |
The Oxbow Complex is a Late Archaic period complex situated in the Northern Great Plains[1] that lasted from about 5200 to 3800 BP.[2] Their points are concave, and are designed for atlatls. They hunted bison, elk, geese, and bear.[1] The complex was defined by archaeologists Boyd Wettlaufer and William Mayer-Oakes in 1960. The Oxbow complex is connected to the Gowen complex, which is believed to have existed between 6100 and 5200 BP.[2]
Tools
[edit | edit source]The Oxbow projectile point is distinguished by its concave base, rounded "ears", and side notching. These points were attached to atlatls and resharpened. Fire-cracked rocks are commonly found in Oxbow sites; it is believed these rocks were used for boiling water.[1]
Further reading
[edit | edit source]- "A re-evaluation of the Oxbow Dam Site (DhMn-1) : Middle Holocene cultural continuity on the northern plains," D'Arcy Clarke Green, 1998
- "The Oxbow Complex: 1980 Perspectives," J.F.V. Millar, 1981, Canadian Journal of Archaeology
References
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