Excavations at KIS-008, Buldir Island: Evaluation and Potential

Abstract

In 1991 a multidisciplinary team initiated excavations at the only known midden site on Buldir Island in the western Aleutians. The project integrated archaeological and biological research to understand human adaptations and Holocene environments over time. Buldir was chosen for the project for several reasons: (1) it is strategically located between the Rat and Near Islands and potentially contributes information on rate of westward migration of hunters in the Aleutian chain, (2) it can provide clues to the amount and kind of communication and/or isolation that existed among the western islands, and (3) its extant faunal population was never impacted by foxes and should be an excellent analogue for the island's past biodiversity. Radiocarbon dates suggest the island was inhabited as early as 1100 years ago. This paper describes the bone, lithic, and wooden artifacts recovered from two test pits excavated on the beachfront of the midden site. Due to the unusual preservation in the island midden, fragile organics, including wood, were recovered. For the first time, western Aleut woodworking technology is discussed. Additionally, this paper explores the types and sources of lithic raw materials selected by ancient peoples on Buldir. Lithic and bone artifact analysis, coupled with radiocarbon dates, suggest that both Rat and Near Islanders used Buldir-sometimes concurrently. The first year's excavation on Buldir shows the potential for prehistoric research in the western Aleutian Islands.

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