Local freshwater shell bead production at Cluny Fortified Village (EePf-1), south-central Alberta

Abstract

Beads in many forms were used as decorative items on the Great Plains during the historic and prehistoric periods. Cluny Fortified Village (EePf-1) on the Northwestern Plains is a unique Late Prehistoric period site where excavations have revealed over 1,600 shell artifacts including beads, bead preforms or “blanks,” and substantial waste from shell bead production. These shell artifacts provide insight into local prehistoric bead production using two local bivalve species Lampsilis siliquoidea (fatmucket) and Lasmigona complanata (white heelsplitter). Experimental drilling on shell produced distinctive stepping and striation patterns that identify the method of drilling: either holding the drill in the hand or mounting the drill on a shaft. Most beads from the site exhibit patterns indicative of hafted drill use. In addition, the distribution of shell at the site indicates bead production areas as well as a cache of finished and unfinished beads.