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Faunal RemainsOver 11,000 bones, bone fragments, and teeth were recovered from the Cowan site. In addition, approximately 62 pieces of freshwater mussel shell were recovered. Bone and shell preservation was highly variable across the site, ranging from poor to fairly good. In some features, even larger mammal bones and teeth were very soft and friable while in others, bird, small mammal, and fish remains were in fairly solid and intact condition. Mussel shell was recovered in small amounts and even where it was encountered it was generally poorly preserved. Certainly, the original composition of the Cowan site faunal assemblage has been impacted by the effects of differential preservation. At the same time, a diverse range of animals is represented, providing considerable insights into the various animal resources that were utilized, the types of habitats exploited by the Cowan site occupants, and the characteristics of the environment surrounding the site. As well, the faunal remains provide some indications of the seasons in which the site was occupied. The faunal assemblage from the Cowan site contains a broad spectrum of animals. The residents of the site hunted bison, elk, deer, and other mammals living in the open prairies and woodland edges. Aquatic resources such as beaver, various water birds, reptiles, fish, and shellfish were also important. The Cowan site is situated along a major migration route followed by migratory waterfowl and ducks and geese make up a substantial part of the assemblage of birds recovered from the site. The comparative scarcity of woodland habitat species suggests that forest cover was sparse and limited at the time the site was occupied. The primary importance of most of these species was as food. Bison, elk, and deer also provided hides and bones for making into tools. Beaver, badger, otter, mink, and weasel were likely also valued for their furs. A variety of small birds are represented in the assemblage and these may have been procured as much for their plumage as for their meat. The common presence of bones of various birds of prey might relate to more secular or social practices than to dietary concerns (e.g., Fishel 1997). The Cowan site faunal assemblage adds to the growing body of data on Great Oasis and Mill Creek animal exploitation. The data presently available suggest a tremendous range of variability, particularly with regard to the relative frequencies of bison, deer, and various types of birds. Cowan | General Contracts Program | OSA Home Webpage originally by Tim Reed March 19, 1999. Designed by Tricia R. Bender
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