Archaeology
The feature of Tse’k’wa of greatest interest to archaeologists is the considerable age of the earliest materials at the site. In 1983, when news of the “fluted” spear point was announced, archaeologists flew up from Vancouver and Victoria to visit the site because no one in western Canada had ever found such an artifact in a layer that could be dated so precisely, nor had anyone in Canada found such an artifact in association with preserved animal bones.
As archaeologists conduct further research on the materials from the site’s early layers they have revealed other unique and unusual aspects of the cave. It is possible that the first use of the site was as a meat cache, and the presence of unique raven burials suggest the site could have been an area of sacred cultural significance.
Collections
Tse’k’wa Collection
Since 1974, Simon Fraser University archaeologists have been conducting research at Tse’k’wa (HbRf-39), previously known as Charlie Lake Cave. SFU is the current official repository for artifacts and materials recovered during previous research excavations at the site. The Tse’k’wa Heritage Society is currently working with the institution to repatriate these items and they are also completing new archaeological investigations in collaboration with SFU and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). The following represent a selection of significant artifacts from the collection.
Fluted Point
The fluted point is evidence of large animal hunting methods from ancient times. The fluted point at Tse’k’wa was found with butchered bison bones in a soil layer that was radiocarbon dated to 12,500 years old.
Bison Toes
Bison legs bones, including these toe bones, were uncovered at Tse’k’wa. Many bones have knife marks, showing human butchering. The ancient bison found at Tse’k’wa were 15 to 25% larger than modern bison.
Schist Bead
The schist bead found at Tse’k’wa is estimated to be 10,500 years old. To date, this bead is the oldest evidence of human adornment found north of the Yucatán Peninsula. Its irregular shape suggests it may be unfinished.
Fish Bones
Fish bones and tools for catching fish are small and delicate, so they are not usually preserved or uncovered in archaeological excavations.
Raven Skeleton Remnants
Two raven skeletons were located in the same position relative to the rock wall they were buried against, suggesting a similar burial practice for both. They appear 12,000 and 11,000 years ago in the archaeological record.
Donaldson Collection
In 2014, Mr. Len Donaldson, a farmer from Rolla, BC, donated a collection of more than 1,000 artifacts to SFU. This large collection is archaeologically important to interpreting the history of the Peace River region in the northeastern part of the province. SFU’s Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology accepted the donation on the condition that it would be repatriated to the Treaty Eight Tribal Association (T8TA). The Tse’k’wa Education Kit, created by SFU and T8TA, contains a selection of real and replica artifacts from the Donaldson collection as well as hands-on learning activities. The following represent a selection of significant artifacts from the collection.
Adze Blade
A black, brown, and dark grey banded nephrite adze blade. Minor chipping on both sides. Material was identified as Nephrite by pXRF. (2013.021.165)
Notched Point
A small, black, side notched point, with bifacial retouch, a concave blade, and recessed base. (2013.021.085)
Foliate Biface
A medium, grey, basaltic, foliate biface that has been bifacially retouched on both edges, with use-wear more significant on one long edge. Possibly hafted onto spear or atlatl. (2013.021.162)
Unfinished Biface
A small, black, biface, unfinished point. (2013.021.112)
End Scraper
A small, light brown, quartzite end scraper, round on one end narrowing to a square base, with a notch on either side for hafting. Fine retouching along one end and edge. (2013.021.158)
Cobble Tool
A medium, green cobble tool, with dark grey spotting and large crystals. One side is completely flat and smooth, with 50% cortex on the other side. Flaking occurs on one edge and there is evidence of use-wear. (2013.021.515)
Publications
Archaeological Work at Tse’k’wa
Jonathan Driver and Mariele Guerrero. Simon Fraser University, 2015
