Togiak Archaeological and Paleoecological Project

The Togiak Archaeological and Paleoecological Project is a study of the ancient history and ecology of the Yup'ik people of northwestern Bristol Bay, Alaska. The project is centered on the Old Togiak site, a large village occupied between approximately 1250 CE and the mid-20th century. Field research to date has included mapping, geophysical survey, coring, and geoarchaeology of beach ridge formation. Lab research has included radiocarbon dating and analyses of micro- and macro-botanicals, faunal remains, and lithic and ceramic artifacts. Results indicate relatively continuous occupation during the past 700 years associated with creation of large house mounds with excellent preservation of organic materials. Results of Paleoecological investigations support evidence for local effects of climate cooling and likely productive fisheries at ca. 1250 CE. Data from the 2015 field season and subsequent lab investigations are deposited on a project website permanently maintained by the University of Montana. Here is the link: http://hs.umt.edu/togiak.