Radiocarbon analyses of four perishable artifacts from Ghost and Pictograph caves, Montana

Abstract

Pictograph and Ghost caves in Empty Gulch, Montana, yielded an extensive collection of perishable items during Works Progress Administration excavations in the late 1930s. Recent radiocarbon analyses of four perishable artifacts from both caves yielded Late Prehistoric period dates. The dated coiled basketry from Ghost Cave indicates either direct or intermediary trade with Northeastern Great Basin or Fremont groups or an ancient and widespread basketry tradition that is poorly documented on the Northwestern Plains. Perishable artifacts are rarely preserved in archaeological contexts on the Plains and broaden our understanding of Late Prehistoric period hunters and gatherers.