Northwest Microblade Tradition
The Northwest Microblade Tradition refers to an important archaeological phenomenon characterized by the use of small, parallel-sided stone flakes known as microblades. These artifacts are significant in both northern Eurasian cultures and ancient North American prehistoric societies, especially in arctic regions. Microblades were typically utilized to create cutting edges when inset into bone or antler points, and were also employed in wooden knife handles. The technique for producing microblades is believed to have originated in north China around 30,000 years ago, later appearing in Siberian cultures between 18,000 and 10,000 years ago. This tradition subsequently migrated to central Alaska, reaching British Columbia by 9,000 years ago and extending as far south as the Columbia River. Notably, the microblade technology is distinct from the artifact production methods employed by many other Indigenous North American groups. It is thought to have been brought to Alaska by the ancestors of the Na-Dene language speakers, who then disseminated this tradition to neighboring communities. Understanding the Northwest Microblade Tradition offers insights into the technological innovations and cultural exchanges of ancient peoples in these regions.
Northwest Microblade Tradition
Related civilizations: Diuktai culture, Denali complex.
Date: 9000 b.c.e.-1200 c.e.
Locale: Alaska panhandle, Yukon, British Columbia, Washington state
Northwest Microblade Tradition
Archaeological sites belonging to this tradition contain assemblages of small, parallel-sided, stone flakes called microblades and the nodules of stone from which these flakes were detached. Microblades are typical artifacts of both northern Eurasian culture and archaic North American prehistoric culture, particularly those from the arctic region. They were used as insets in the sides of bone or antler points to form cutting edges and in wooden handles to make knives. This method of making such tools began about 30,000 years ago in north China and is found later between 18,000 and 10,000 years ago in Siberia in the Diuktai culture. From there, it spread to the Denali complex in central Alaska and, by 9,000 years ago, was found in British Columbia. Somewhat later, it spread as far south as the Columbia River. This way of making artifacts is quite different from that used by most other native North American peoples and is thought to have been introduced into Alaska by the ancestors of Na-Dene speakers, from whom it spread to their neighbors.
Bibliography
Carlson, Roy L. “Cultural Antecedents.” In Northwest Coast, edited by Wayne Suttles. Vol. 7 in Handbook of North American Indians. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1990.
Carlson, Roy L. Early Human Occupation in British Columbia. Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 1996.