Recent Archeological Work in Kachemak Bay, Gulf of Alaska

Abstract

Excavations since 1974 have built upon de Laguna's pioneering classification of Pacific Eskimo prehistory. The Chugachik site (SEL 033) yielded abundant artifactual and paleoenvironmental information dated mainly between c. 350 B.C. and 250 A.D. While artifacts were scarce at Cottonwood Creek (SEL 030), dated at about 200 A.D., data on human biology, paleopathology, social stratification and mortuary ceremonialism were recovered. The Yukon Island Fox Farm Bluff site (SEL 041) dates to c. 500-900 A.D. and yielded a new culture showing connections with the Alaska Peninsula. Future research should focus on the earlier prehistory of the bay, the classic problem of the Pacific Eskimo-Tanaina Athapaskan transition, and the paleoenvironmental record.