Fossil Crinoids in the archaeology of the United States and Canada
Bill SandyExcavations at two Precontact Native American sites in the Wallkill River Valley in Orange County, New York provided considerable new information about the production and use of fossil crinoid beads. The Historian Site in the Town of Minisink and Medline Site 3 in the Town of Montgomery collectively have radiocarbon dates spanning 2300 to 1500 years ago. Crinoids are marine dwelling animals that are found in limestone bearing strata throughout much of North America. Native Americans use of crinoid columnal segments for beads was widespread throughout the United States and Canada in the Precontact and Historic Periods. Archaeological sites with crinoid beads are detailed in this report. The larger significance and possible interpretations of these discoveries are discussed. Because of their small size and fossil origin, excavators and analysts could overlook crinoids. Reexamination of existing archaeological collections will likely “discover” more. Increased use of flotation can recover more crinoids.