The Later prehistory of the Lillooet area, British Columbia

Abstract

Excavations were undertaken near the town of Lillooet in 1970 and 1971 to collect information about the prehistoric cultures of the area. Attention was focused upon the last 2,500 to 3,000 years of regional prehistory, a period poorly understood at that time. Six sites were selected for intensive excavation. These sites are described along with the artifacts, features, and burials which were uncovered. Age estimates are offered for most components based primarily on radiocarbon and obsidian hydration dating. The Nesikep Tradition is defined as the basic integrative or archaeological unit for Plateau prehistory. It is divided into an earlier microlithic period dating from about 5000 to 800 B.C., and a later non-microlithic period from 800 B.C. to A.D. 1858. A chronology of archaeological units is proposed for the later Nesikep Tradition consisting of four sequential phases: Nicola Phase, 800 B.C.-A.D. 200: Lillooet Phase, A.D. 200-800: Kamloops Phase, A.D. 800-1750: and Protohistoric Phase, A.D. 1750-1858. The temporal and spatial distribution as well as the trait inventory of each phase is discussed. A reconstruction of the later Nesikep Tradition culture(s) on the mid Fraser is offered. Paleo-environmental, archaeological, and ethno-linguistic information are integrated to arrive at an overall developmental scheme for the evolution of culture on the Interior Plateau of British Columbia and the Lillooet excavations are placed within the context of Plateau culture history.