| The Central Plains tradition (CPt) sites on the High Plains are often assumed to be affiliated with the Upper Republican phase despite the absence of any material culture comparisons. Using a newly developed system for the classification of stylistic attributes, CPt High Plains ceramic assemblages were compared with assemblages from seven Itskari phase and five Upper Republican phase assemblages. Results of the analysis indicate that most High Plains CPt ceramic assemblages are markedly similar to Itskari phase assemblages and dissimilar to Upper Republican phase assemblages. These results correspond with patterned distributions of projectile point styles and lithic material types. Lastly, a petrographic analysis of pottery from the High Plains suggests that a majority of pots were not manufactured locally. These results suggest that Itskari phase people were regularly traveling to the High Plains to procure stone, which calls into question some hypotheses regarding the CPt occupation of the High Plains. |
