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~' pr•njectile point types, such as Clovis, Folsom, and the Plano complex
<br />'- varieties.
<br />The Arrhaic Stage is well represented in the region, sites of this
<br />period represented by various artifacts, including stenmred, corner-
<br />notched, and side-notched projectile points, grinding stones, bone anJ
<br />antler tools, and perishable items (e.g., basketry, sandals, and
<br />cordage). Most Archaic sites are usually identified by distinctive
<br />projectile points. The Uncompahgre Conrptex is believed to represent an
<br />Archaic pattern of settlement and subsistence, adapted to the unique
<br />envirprrrerrt of the Uncompahgre. plateau. luny sites in the 41est End
<br />exf,ibit cultural traits similar to those found at other archaic sites on
<br />the Uncompahgre plateau. Later in the period, however, same sites in
<br />the Uest End exhibit a pattern of subsistence that is rot common else-
<br />where on tl:e Uncompahgre. Specifically, we see the appearance of
<br />cuitigens, particularly corn, and other cultutal traits that resemble
<br />patterns seen at Basketmaker sites in the Southwest. These character-
<br />istics reflect a trend towards plant domestication and a sedentary
<br />lifestyle: for unknovn: reasons, however, this lifestyle did not attain
<br />the level of cultural complexity srer, in the Soutlrvrest with the Anasazi,
<br />nr in eastern Utah with the Fremont.
<br />The occurrence of masonry structures, pottery, ana other dSs-
<br />tir:ctive artifacts fn the region bespeaks the influence of Formative
<br />Stage groups such as the Anasazi and Fremont. The accumulated evidence
<br />does not demonstrate, however, that these agricultural yrovps had
<br />actually settled in the region, it is more likely that small groups of
<br />Anasazi and Fremont visited the area to hunt and gatfrer and trade v,ith
<br />local peoples. Through this cultural interaction the local inhabitants
<br />• may then have adopted some of Che cultural practices or the Anasazi and
<br />Fremont, such as corn domestication and the construction of permanent
<br />habitation structures. This cultural florescence, however, was brier,
<br />occurring at a time when local environmental conditions vrere optimum.
<br />Hhe,r the climate deteriorated, either the Anasazi/Fremont groups
<br />abandoned the region or local peoples returned to a hurting and
<br />gathering lifestyle.
<br />When Euroamericans first visited the region in the I~OOs, the
<br />aboriginal groups they encountered in the region were mostly Utz. -Ute
<br />sites, particularly those occupied before the arrival of Euroamericans,
<br />are difficult to identify because of the nomadic lifestyle of these
<br />people. Moreover, the Utes had the peculiar habit of collecting and
<br />reusing artifacts from earlier prehistoric sites, thus compeurding the
<br />problem of cultural identification. Only these aboriginal silos
<br />containing historic artifacts, or displaying rock art with historic
<br />trade tl,er.,es (e.g., horses), can positively be identiiied rs Ute.
<br />Excepr. for early Spanish explorations, Euroamerican presence ir: the
<br />region is relatively recent. Follovring the removal of the Utes to the
<br />reservation in 18E1, the area was quicY.ly settled by cattlemen (O'Rourke
<br />19110). Cattie raising and small-scale :,nricultural production ~•ere the
<br />principal industries in the hest Gid throughout thr_ last lure decades of
<br />f.he nirecern!h century. Pornwnertt settlements were dstabli~ted slowly
<br />and fr;r v:r,•ieus reasons. Ir. Ihr. 1::905, Cuturita was [irq,ly a lsust
<br />•
<br />(Revised July 2006) Attachment 2.04.4-1-16
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