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Excavation bison scapula cache Pictured is a cache of four bison scapulae (shoulder blades) excavated at the Pammel Creek site just south of La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1983. Pammel Creek was a late precontact Oneota site dating to about AD 1400-1500. The cache consisted of two right and two left scapulae. Each one had the scapular spine removed, and three showed wear at the broad distal end of the blade, suggesting use as hoes. Since no other cultural materials were associated with the scapulae, the feature has been interpreted as a cache. No other bison elements were found in the animal remains from the site, indicating that bison were not hunted locally or butchered/processed at the site. Rather, it appears that bison scapulae were obtained from non-local sources specifically for tool use. This suggests some interaction with outside areas, or possibly seasonal travel by some members of the group to the Plains. Kathy Stevenson is pictured excavating the bison scapula cache.

For a closer look at bison scapula hoes and how they were made, check out Jim Theler's video.