McKean Complex| An analysis of six Middle Prehistoric period sites in the Northwestern Plains

Since its identification in 1954, the McKean complex has been one of the most researched and poorly understood of all archaeologically defined prehistoric cultural entities in the northern Great Plains.Although most researchers agree that the McKean complex can be securely placed within the temporal parameters of 3000 to 5000 radiocarbon years before the present, few agree about the associated projectile point types, the origins, subsistence base, and geographic distribution of the peoples who used the McKean complex technology.This thesis is a critical analysis of six archaeological sites in the northwestern Plains that have a component belonging to the McKean complex.Possible origins, subsistence base strategies, and a discussion of the distribution in space and tim e of each projectile point type associated with the McKean complex are presented.Also discussed is evidence of a developmental link between the McKean complex and the succeeding Pelican Lake and Avonlea prehistoric cultural entities.It is suggested here that McKean should be considered the initial phase of a cultural tradition. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSSeveral individuals have been instrumental in assisting with the development and completion of this thesis.Deserving first mention are John and Anna Brum ley.Not only did the Brumley's graciously allow me to prepare this thesis using Ethos Consultants Inc.' office equipment and library, John generated the northwestern Plains map used in Figure 5, the frequency distribution graphs in Figure 16, and the temporal distribution of presently published McKean C-14 dates used in Figure 14.In addition, John provided the author access to his C-14 date database, supplied photographs of the Cactus Flower site, provided numerous suggestions pertaining to avenues of research and thesis format, and suggested revisions for the final draft.Anna entered the data for the tables used within the body of this text, proof read portions of the final draft and always willingly helped when a format problem arose.