Strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) analyses have been used effectively to reconstruct the origin of osteological remains that have not been exposed to increasing temperatures (Bentley, 2006; Juarez, 2008; Knudson et al., 2005). However, previous research has shown that no thermally induced changes occur to original strontium isotope values (87Sr/86Sr) of bone and teeth specimens that have been subjected to temperatures between 212 and 1832 degrees Fahrenheit (Beard and Johnson, 2000; Grupe and Hummel, 1991; Harbeck et al., 2011), though the published literature regarding strontium isotope ratio stability and survivorship in thermally altered bone and teeth is limited. This is surprising given the potential implications for geolocation inquiries of cremains (or severely burnt remains) in both forensic and archaeological contexts. This research will focus on the latter context by using strontium isotope analyses, via thermal ionization mass spectrometry, to reconstruct the origins of human remains from a unique late Woodland period (A.D. 600-850) archaeological burial site known as the Perrins Ledge crematory, located in the lower Illinois River valley. Strontium isotope signatures derived from the Perrins Ledge cremains will be compared with values obtained from osteological faunal remains from three contemporary neighboring sites (Carlin, Apple Creek, and Newbridge). It is expected that the Perrins Ledge values will mirror those derived from the neighboring contemporary habitation sites suggesting local groups used the crematorium.

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<p>This thesis explores social identity and group membership at the Van Besien site by identifying the social patterning in the production and consumption of ceramics. Since potting is a social event involving transmission of knowledge, production exists within social constraints specific to each potter and influences the technological choices he/she makes. Such technological choices culminate in what is regarded as technological style, created by the repetition of activities or choices that create discernible patterns to allow for identification of styles that demarcate social boundaries.</p> <p>By identifying stylistic traditions of production and use of ceramics at Van Besien, I found evidence for both fluidity and rigidity of social boundaries. There are constant technological choices that traditionally would be viewed as evidence of rigid social membership. In contrast, the presence of variability at the Van Besien site indicates that social groups were not rigid. To identify if social membership was spatially represented, variability was explored throughout the site. I found that there were unexpected social divisions visible spatially in the pottery.</p> <p>The results demonstrate that with new theoretical frameworks, new interpretations regarding village social spheres can be discerned. My thesis represents a successful re-evaluation of an extant collection with missing and deficient documentation. This case study shows that extant collections can be revisited, reevaluated, and shed new light on academic debates in Ontario archaeology.</p> / Master of Arts (MA)

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Using the Mohr Site as a case study, this project examines the role of pottery in Shenks Ferry mortuary features. Following an analysis of the mortuary pottery, the resulting information is compared with pottery from the general site assemblage as well as with descriptions of pottery from other Shenks Ferry sites. In addition, an inventory of the Mohr Site grave good assemblage has been created. The assemblage at the Mohr site is especially rich and is particularly noteworthy given the nature and number of the burials discovered; no other current collection has as much variety or quantity as is seen at this site. The pottery recovered from Mohr exhibits characteristics typical of pottery found at other Shenks Ferry Sites and in other Shenks Ferry burials. The ceramic evidence challenges the traditional assumption that the Mohr site is a transitional Lancaster-Funk Phase site. Likewise, the length of time this site was occupied is also debatable. Mortuary vessels at Mohr are predominately associated with extended burials oriented to the east. There are also correlations between mortuary vessels types and age and sex. Possible connections between other grave goods and age, sex, and body position and between body position and season of interment are also discussed. Additional research employing methods such as residue analysis to compare information regarding the contents of the mortuary and non-mortuary Mohr Site pottery as well as further evidence produced by additional excavations or more in-depth analysis of current grave material collections will provide further insight into Shenks Ferry mortuary ritual and is necessary in order to fully understand this site and its place in the chronology of the Shenks Ferry Complex. / Anthropology