Mammal Remains from Archaeological Sites in the Point of Pines Region, Arizona

Abstract

AbstractA collection of nonhuman, mammalian osteological materials from 12 archaeological sites was examined. The sites range in age from Circle Prairie phase (about A.D. 1) through Point of Pines phase (about A.D. 1450). A total of 3282 individual bones and 29 complete skeltons was identified to genus, and to species whenever possible. An additional 348 bones were identified to the ordinal level only. A comparison of the 26 genera identified from the archaeological material with the mammals known historically from this area shows a striking continuity between past and present. Odocoileus and Antilocapra bones were analyzed for ratio of adults to juveniles, and for the relative numbers of the various members of the skeleton. These analyses were made to gain information on the hunting habits of the prehistoric inhabitants. Bones of a pathological artiodactyl wrist are discussed.