Analysis of Human Osteological Remains from Knox County, Nebraska.
Abstract
An incomplete burial was located at site 25KX71 during the 1982 cultural resources survey of Lewis and Clark Lake/Gavins Point Dam. It appears to be that of an elderly male, perhaps as old as 70, suffering from arthritis and osteoporosis. Both scapulae were present along with most of the ribs and vertebrae. The right cuneiform was also present. A secondary burial, the remains were wrapped in a cedar bark bag or cedar mats after most of the flesh had been removed, probably by exposure. The remains were placed in a bell-shaped pit near the top of an erosional remnant. Cultural material not directly associated with the burial suggests a Woodland age, but the burial itself is similar to those from the Central Plains of Initial Coalescent Tradition sites. Paleoenvironmental samples show a climate similar to the present. Small mammal remains associated with the burial are identified as those of a cottontail rabbit and a southern bog lemming. A literature search describing mortuary practices in the area through time, as well as previous archeological investigations, does not suggest any clear cultural affiliation for these remains.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA132417
Entities
People
- Alex W. Barker
- Donald J. Blakeslee
Organizations
- Wichita State University