A Comparison of Technological and Adaptive Strategies between Normanskill Occupations in the Delaware and Hudson Valleys

Abstract

Review of models concerning hunter-gatherer subsistence (Cleland, 1976), resource procurement (Binford, 1980), and land-use patterns (Pagoulatos, 1992) suggests different adaptive strategies should be expressed in the archaeological record through variations in settlement patterns and technological assemblages. Comparison of data regarding site location, tool diversity, feature diversity, and subsistence strategies indicates Normanskill groups in the Hudson and Delaware valleys employed different adaptive strategies. Specifically, these data suggest Normanskill groups in the upper Delaware Valley employed a technological system and adaptive strategy which emphasized two site types, namely base camps and nearby target locations. Conversely, River phase groups in the Hudson Valley practiced a more diversified strategy whereby resources were procured and initially processed at target locations and subsequently returned to the base camp for final processing, distribution, and consumption. Observed differences in the respective technological systems and adaptive strategies have implications for their associated territorial range, social structure, and relationship with Broadspear groups.