Abstract
A number of projectile points found in the basal cultural deposits at Ahai Mneh are representative of the Early Prehistoric period. In addition to confirming a cultural presence previously only tentatively identifi ed at this hilltop site near Wabamun Lake in central Alberta, these fi ndings add to our understanding of the range of the Agate Basin/Hell Gap phase, a period that is very poorly represented in Alberta archaeolog y. Further, two fragmentary specimens thatare basally concave and exhibit attempts at fl uting or basal thinning appear to be Early Prehistoric in origin; these bear some resemblance to stubby points of the little-known Sibbald phase, although they could also be representative of the later Lusk complex. While only the most tentative of identifi cations can presently be made, they serve as an indicator of multiple Early Prehistoric occupations at Ahai Mneh and highlight a key area of interest for future research at the site.
Highlights
A number of projectile points found in the basal cultural deposits at Ahai Mneh are representative of the Early Prehistoric period
Several points from the 2008 and 2010 excavations at Ahai Mneh compare favourably with points found at two other important sites in Alberta recognized for their Early Prehistoric occupations: Lake Minnewanka and Sibbald Creek
After the Laurentide and Cordilleran ice masses retreated in the terminal Pleistocene, a rapid warming trend between 11,300-11,200 BP saw arboreal vegetation quickly become established over central Alberta
Summary
A number of projectile points found in the basal cultural deposits at Ahai Mneh are representative of the Early Prehistoric period. Projectile points diagnostic of the Agate Basin/ Hell Gap phase and possibly Sibbald phase or Lusk complex are present, indicating repeated Early Prehistoric occupation at Ahai Mneh. Recognized phases and complexes of the Early Prehistoric period in Alberta include Clovis, Folsom, Sibbald, Agate Basin/Hell Gap, Alberta, and Scottsbluff-Eden (Peck 2011)
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