Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2026
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Cultural and Environmental Resource Management
Committee Chair
Dr. Patrick Lubinski
Second Committee Member
Dr. Steven Hackenberger
Third Committee Member
Dr. Megan Partlow
Abstract
Bernard Creek Rockshelter, situated within the Hells Canyon Archaeological District of western Idaho, contains one of the best preserved faunal assemblages attributed to the Cascade Phase (ca. 8,000–4,500 BP) on the Columbia Plateau. Located near the confluence of Bernard Creek and the Snake River in the ancestral homeland of the Nez Perce Tribe, the site preserves a deeply stratified cultural sequence dating to approximately 8,000 years before present (cal BP). The site was initially excavated in 1976 and a preliminary faunal analysis was completed by the excavators, Joseph Randolph and Max Dahlstrom in 1977. This thesis research provides a systematic reanalysis of the pre-Mazama faunal assemblage from Block 1, with a focus on deposits beneath the Mount Mazama ash layer (ca. 7600 cal BP).This study addresses key limitations of the original 1977 faunal analysis, such as the lack of quantitative taxonomic data, taphonomic assessment, skeletal element representation, and seasonality studies. A total of 2,939 previously unexamined specimens were analyzed by the author and integrated with the 2,978 specimens from the prior reanalyses by Lianne Day and Dr. Patrick Lubinski, resulting in a combined pre-Mazama sample of 5,907 faunal remains. Taxonomic identifications were based on comparative osteological collections, and taphonomic variables were systematically recorded. The results indicate that the assemblage is dominated by large artiodactyls, particularly Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), which constituted the primary focus of subsistence activities. Evidence of extensive fresh-bone fragmentation, impact notches, anvil marks, and butchery cut marks suggests intensive carcass processing, marrow extraction, and probable bone grease production. Seasonal indicators, such as fetal and neonatal bighorn sheep remains, imply occupations during late winter through early summer; however, the presence of multiple age classes may reflect year-round use. Comparison with the original excavation report and other Early Archaic sites demonstrates that Bernard Creek functioned not as a generalized fishing camp, as previously proposed, but as a specialized logistical hunting locality focused on bighorn sheep procurement and processing. The site aligns with seasonal foraging models for Columbia Plateau cultures, yet is distinguished by its narrow focus on a single prey species.
Recommended Citation
Collins, Laura, "Reanalysis of the Pre-Mazama Mammalian Remains from Bernard Creek Rockshelter, Idaho" (2026). All Master's Theses. 2362.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/2362