Research Proposal: Tipi Rings in Northern Montana

The great plains in the United States of America is an extensive geographical region that sprawls from the most southernly state of Texas, up through northern Montana and into the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan (Figure 1, A). Despite the harsh climatic conditions and environment that dene this region, the great plains have been the home of Native Indians for thousands of years (Wishart 2007). These Native cultures followed and hunted migratory herds of mammals across the plains, becoming well established hunter-gatherer tribes living in semi-permanent tipi settlements. Malouf (1961) notes that these tipi structures consisted of a stretched hide that was held down by a circle of stones. Upon removal of the tipi, the stone circle was left behind. This research project aims to specically examine the variety and distribution of surface artifacts within the context of a tipi ring site in northern Montana (Figure 1, C).

Canadian Border

Havre

Figure 1: A) Map demonstrating the extent of the great plains (red area) and the positioning of image B (Source: Wikipedia 2012); B) View of the research site in relation to the Canadian border and the town of Havre (Source: Google 2012); C) Close up of the ravine where the tipi rings are situated (Source: Google 2012).

Nature of Site and Proposed Project

Where a majority of land in America is under agricultural exploitation, archaeological earthworks and surface features have been lost. Nevertheless, some areas of land are not suitable for agricultural practice due to the steep edges and banks created by ravines, resulting in geographical areas that have no real use or value. It is here that the remains of tipi settlements have stayed almost untouched since their occupation. It is in this context that the research site in Montana is situated, where the tipi settlement sits upon the ridge

of a ravine for roughly six miles. With such a well preserved site, surface artifacts have remained in their original position, subsequently reecting a spatial distribution of the hunter-gatherer cultures. By using a systematic and well documented methodology, this research project aims to record these surface artifacts and the implications behind the variety and distribution. By examining the surrounding literature, the analysis of the artifacts will help place the research site in its archaeological context.

Importance of the Research Analyzing a site that has previously not been studied before would help further the understanding of artifact distribution and variation on a tipi ring settlement. In turn, this research could develop the archaeological and anthropological perspective on site usage and occupation patterns within the context of the Native American cultures. In addition to this, a systematic methodology that avoids ambiguous observations and results would be of value for future
(I recognize that, realistically, this section will be complemented and contributed to by the literature review).

Literature Review
(Analysis of archaeological, geographical and anthropological context from surrounding literature) (Determining and discussing possible methodological approaches from similar sites as well as eldwork methodology books. Will subsequently inuence following section).

Proposed Methodology Determining the Research Area With a Tipi settlement that potentially spans over six miles, my research site would have to be a sample area for the larger context. It would be implausible to attempt analyzing the whole site for the following reasons: I am unsure of the full extent and density of artifacts on the site. If I attempted to record as much as possible, the results could be incomplete in relation to my original aims. If my primary interest was to document the whole site, my methodology would have to focus on speed and efciency. Where, as an undergraduate student, I do not possess the correct equipment for such large scale surveying and analysis (GPS), my methodological approach would have to be manual. Under manual archaeological techniques, results would inevitably reect a rushed methodology given the time frame of the eld season (5 weeks). Part of the site extends into Canada, making the logistics of archaeological work across the whole settlement complicated.

Having a controlled and selected area in which to conduct my research would result in a detailed analysis with a more accurate set of results. In order to determine the area that would be of greatest value to study, an initial eld walk of the whole site would have to be undertaken. This will take into account the amount of surface artifacts and artifact density, and their positioning in relation to tipi-rings. Depending on the context of the site as a whole, the most appropriate area will be determined by its representation of the wider archaeological context. Recording and Analyzing Artifacts Collecting results and analyzing the artifacts will take on several systematic forms: Preliminary eld walk and mapping of the selected site - by using long measuring tapes, markers, ranging poles and a compass, an initial plan of the features and artifacts dispersal can be plotted. Determining artifact variation and distribution - each artifact has to be analyzed and catalogued into artifact types. If possible, a scaled drawing of the most complete specimens should be taken. Revising and increasing the accuracy of artifact distribution on plotted site - By creating a grid reference with tape measures and markers, a more detailed documentation of where the different types of artifacts are located can be achieved. (Triangulation?).

Bibliography
Google 2012: Havre, Montana. [Online Image] Available at <http://maps.google.com/> [Date Accessed 25/01/2012] Malourf, C., 1961: The Tipi Rings of the High Plains. American Antiquity 26, 381-389 Wishart, D,J ed., 2004: The Encyclopedia of The Great Plains Indians. Nebraska: University of Nebraska Press Wikipedia 2012: Map of the Great plains. [Online Image] Available at <http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_the_Great_Plains.png> [Date Accessed 1/02/2012]