As part of the team assembled to conduct an analysis of the
Columbia Park Remains, my task involved the analysis and
description of the lithic artifact embedded in the human ilium.
Apart from describing and documenting the artifact, my goal was
to conduct a non-destructive technological analysis of the stone
tool and estimate the chronological period of its use based on
typological information and comparative data from archaeological
sites in the Pacific Northwest. Related goals of the study that
required a team effort involved interpreting the way in which
the artifact became embedded in the pelvic bone, and assessing
the impact that it had on the health of the individual. Overall,
the assessment of the lithic artifact in the ilium was conducted
to assist the National Park Service in determining whether the
human remains are Native American. Between February 25 and March
1, 1999, I conducted research at the Burke Museum at the
University of Washington, during which time I examined the
Columbia Park Remains a