Archaic

Beginning sometime between 6000 BC and 5000 BC the Archaic period sees a transition from a reliance on big game for subsistence to a forager adaptation, with greater emphasis on gathering wild foods. The spear thrower or atlatl, was now used to increase the range and striking power of the spear. Milling stones and fishhooks reflect the broader subsistence base, and burned or fire-cracked rocks reflect roasting or boiling foods.

The warmest and driest postglacial period occurred between 5000 and 2500 BC and is commonly referred to as the Atlantic episode, or the Hypsithermal. Human populations moved to the wetter river valleys at this time. But by 500 B.C., as the climate was more stable, Archaic populations were showing an increased territoriality, with local variation in artifact styles, and the development of trading networks. People were more sedentary, with an established seasonal round of subsistence activities.

While no Archaic materials have been recovered within the City of Sioux Falls, a Yonkee-like Archaic point was recovered from the Blood Run/Rock Island site located a few miles to the east, and a Duncan-like Archaic point from another site in Lincoln County along the Big Sioux River. Two other Archaic points are documented from Lincoln and Minnehaha counties.

A recently examined burial site dating to the Middle Plains Archaic is the Hilde Mound Site in Lake County by Lake Madison. 17-18 individuals in 7-10 graves were recovered. Radiocarbon dates place the age of the site between 2895 - 1965 BC.

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