Until the second field season of 1996, no archaeological material had been
observed at Mammoth Park. When cultural indicators were finally contacted,
however, they were not within the area of highest probability. Although a
few probable flakes were documented within the 10,700 yr. BP stratum, the
majority of the cultural material was observed in the deeper strata. Thus,
the majority of the archaeological material was associated with dates from
12,300 yr. BP - 11,300 yr. BP.
Probable lithic and bone debitage, with some fragments as small as 0.05-1.0
cm in length, were recovered from the <11,000 yr. BP strata. A red jasper
flake, measuring approximately 1.75 cm x 2.0 cm is also associated with
this period.
The >11,000 yr. BP strata yielded more definitive evidence of human
presence. Several examples of cut terrestrial mammal bone, some measuring
approximately 8 cm in length and 4 cm in width, were documented. One
section of a cut limb was also confirmed. Additionally, a cut and polished
cylindrical bone fragment resembling a whistle was also observed.
Important to the preliminary archaeological interpretation of this site is
the fact that the majority of human associated material was observed within
the older parts of the site. Also important is the evidence that man was
utilizing large mammals at this time. Although both large and small
animals occupied this area 11,000 yrs. ago, the only confirmed evidence of
human use is upon the larger bone. However, numerous rodent specimens are
represented predominately by their extremities (crania, mandibles, femurs, etc.), suggesting that these animals were prey to area predators. Whether these predators were birds or humans is not yet known.