Geoarchaeological investigations at the upper Paleolithic site of Kamihoronai‐Moi, Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract

Abstract In order to better understand modern human behavioral variability in Hokkaido, Japan, we consider the geoarchaeology of the Kamihoronai‐Moi site in terms of its geochronology, stratigraphy, depositional environments, and post‐depositional disturbances. A Paleolithic component is stratigraphically situated between the Eniwa‐a (15,000–17,000 14 C yr B.P.) and the Tarumae‐d (8000–9000 14 C yr B.P.) tephras. Moreover, six AMS 14 C ages on charcoal from a Pleistocene‐aged hearth feature are between 14,400 and 14,800 14 C yr B.P. Quantitative examinations of patterns in artifact distributions show a low degree of vertical and horizontal displacement of chipped‐stone artifacts, suggesting that post‐depositional movement of the cultural material was insufficient to disrupt the original pattern of artifact distribution. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.