2001-12-11_PERMIT FILE - C1980005 (3)

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• The preceding discussion has concerned itself primarily with providing relevant background infom~ation, investigative procedures, and the tangible results of mitigative excavations at site SRT139. Such a discussion is fundamentally necessary or ~ntributive towards under- standing any problem but the facts presented should not and cannot be allowed to stand by thanselves; i.e. the meanings of these "facts" are not self-evident and are subject to interpretation. It is necessary, therefore, to assemble these factual fragments into a incise "package" that is logically consistent with the extant facts and provides saw understanding of prehistoric activities at SKP139. As the facts them- selves cannot stand alone, so, too, must interpretations of manifesta- tions from adjacent regions that are similar to those remgrLized at SRP139 be brought to bear on the problem. Expressed succintly, our most immediate objectives in this discussion are to describe the pattern(s) of prehistoric occupation evident at SRT139 and to position those patterns within a chronological framework. The available evidence that can be mist useful for achieving such an objective insists of the 21 features, the radiocarbon dates, and the lithic assemblage; the latter includes artifacts rerovered from all phases .of work at SKC139: survey, testing, and mitigation. ACi'iVITY PATTERNS The variation expressed for each of the 21 features is ~nsidered small enough that the identification of each as a firehearth is not unreasonable. It has already been noted that these hearths are circular or slightly elliptical configurations of upright sandstone slabs, many of which are fire-reddened or fire-cracked. Additionally notable characteristics are • the presence of a layer of cobbles surrounding at least nine of the hearths (within which many of the nibbles are fire-cracked and/or -reddened) 49