CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Chlachula, J.; and Leslie, l.
Date : 2001.
Title : Preglacial archaeological evidence at Grimshaw, the Peace River area, Alberta: Reply.
Publication : Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences
Issue : 38(5):
Page(s) : 875-878.
Abstract
Archaeological evidence potentially predating the well-known Palaeo-Indian traditions, characterized by bifacial stone projectile points, has been a subject of debate for decades. Claims on cultural records predating ca. 12 000 years BP have been questioned because of the particular geologi-cal context implying an unusual antiquity, which does not fit into the established culture-historical paradigm and (or) the cultural authenticity of the alleged early human evidence, mostly represented by rudimentarily modified lithics. Although the criticism can be justified on objective grounds in some cases, there is a tendency, which we call “folklore” (Chlachula and Le Blanc 1996), to question records, which may be genuine, by means of selectively applied and occasionally simplified arguments about the capacity of natural processes to generate them, because they simply differ from the established pattern of cultural manifestations. Instead of providing direct data based on personal observations and independent studies to support their critical position, highly generalized comments and out-of-context references are used to question the presented evidence as cultural. This is also the case with the Grimshaw site. While we are open to any critical comments, which may eventually lead to a further elaboration of methods and approaches in the geoarchaeology studies on the Pleistocene peopling of Canada, particularly in the areas subsequently covered by ice, we cannot accept Driver’s arguments on the basis of which he questions the validity of the Grimshaw archaeological site. The required studies on natural and cultural flaking were performed elsewhere. The other comments on the “naturefact” occurrences do not have any bearing for the assessment of the cultural evidence from western Alberta. The discussion would be more productive if specific comparative data of naturally fractured rocks from similar geological contexts and on identical clastic materials were presented, instead of generalized and unsubstantiated statements on the potential of natural forces to produce objects that could not be distinguished from artefacts.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology