Massachusetts Department of Transport (MassDOT) tailored the conclusion of the final archeological report so that the site could be destroyed.
Comments from Dr. Gramly, a Harvard PhD archeologist who has spent a lifetime studying the Early Archaic period: “Their conclusion that the occupation was brief is just pure fiction.”
“With nearly 2,000 items already recovered from the known site, I cannot understand why they want to believe occupations were brief. They want to “dismiss” the site despite the fact that they did not test deeply and explore thoroughly.”
“The notion is that occupations were brief/fleeting is meant to carry the implication that ritual activity did NOT take place there.”
“This doesn’t address the basic problem which is their flawed assumption that the deposits were necessarily shallow with nothing at greater depth, which is just not the case with sites of this period.”
Dr. Gramly further added that none of the state’s archeologists have any experience with Early Archaic period sites.
Comments from Mark Andrews, Senior Cultural Resource Monitor with the Aquinnah Wampanoag: “The claim that this is a temporary hunting camp is outrageous.”
“I was onsite to witness substantial finds of dozens of artifacts that make it clear the site is a long-term occupation site.”
“The most significant argument against a short-term hunting camp is the site location alone. This site is just a few minutes walking distance from the Connecticut River.”
“The Connecticut River was the epicenter of early life as glacial recession occurred. Nobody had to travel to search for resources if already at the river’s banks. Everything, everyone, and anything needed was provided by the river with travel, trade, and existing resources already located there, including at this location a choke point between the rocks and river for game, and a freshwater spring.”
More at
https://nayyag.org/2022/03/04/massdot-introduces-false-conclusion-in-final-northampton-site-report/
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