Revisiting Identity Negotiations within Spatially Delineated Activity Centres at Tipi Ring Sites in the Northern Plains: A Spatial Reanalysis of Artifacts at EgPn-375 and EgPn-377
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Identifying gender and social roles in prehistory has been a common practice within archaeology for many years. Space and activity areas have often been used as methods for determining how gender identity presents itself in the archaeological record. However, the systems of gender and identity used in past research have been based on binary binds. By re-examining a model originally based on notions of binary gender and other western-based ideas, this thesis provides an examination of whether gender identity can be elucidated through the spatial location of artifacts and determines if the use of binary genders is justified. Using GIS, the space-use model created by Oetelaar in 2000 at EgPn-375 is examined, reaffirmed, and revised using the Grouping Analysis tool on the ESRI ArcMap program and through artifact analysis. The resulting revised model was applied to EgPn-377 and the implications of its applicability at this site on how identity manifested itself physically through space, time, and season. As well, how identity is understood at stone circle sites found across the plains is discussed. The overall goal of this thesis was to highlight the implications of removing western-based concepts of identity and the importance of further tipi ring studies, particularly in collaboration with descendant communities, as these domestic lodges hold insights into the day-to-day life of the peoples who inhabited and continue to inhabit the plains.