The Dalles Roadcut (Fivemile Rapids) Avifauna: Evidence for a Cultural Origin

The Dalles Roadcut (35WS8/WS4) is an archaeological site on the Columbia River, Oregon. Renowned for its vast early Holocene salmonid deposit, which previous investigations have shown to be cultural (Butler 1990, 1993; Butler and O’Connor in prep.), the Roadcut also contained over 9,000 bird remains, including scavenger and raptor species. Questions concerning the origins of the Roadcut faunal remains have often revolved around the presence of these bird species, necessitating a reinvestigation of the avifaunal collection. This faunal analysis has identified two distinct patterns of butchery present on 331 of the bird remains. The gulls and cormorants were butchered for consumption, while the Bald Eagles and California Condors show evidence of feather harvesting. The Bald Eagles show signs of talon removal. Bird-bone artifact-manufacturing debris and 691 limb bone cylinders were found as well. Preserved medullary bone was identified in 647 specimens, placing occupation of the site during the spring and summer months. The Dalles Roadcut avifauna date between 11,000 and 7,000 years B.P. (Butler and O’Connor in prep.; Cressman 1960) and represent an early Holocene riverine adaptation exploiting not only salmon but also nearby breeding colonies of birds.