Sub-Stratum 5F: Upper member—light gray

This light gray deposit rests directly on Sub-Stratum 5E.  It is the same type of cave deposit but has been slightly dirtied by human occupation, and cultural debris is common. Evidence of several fire hearths, consisting of ash and debris but no rock, were found in this layer.  

Dart points, scrapers, and worked bone fragments were recovered, plus a host of animal remains: fish scales, turtle, snake, rodents, rabbits, bird, and deer.  Dart points include "Brazos Fishtail" (a variant of San Patrice) and the midsection of an apparent Wilson (or Early Stemmed) point, the base of which was found in the stratum above (5G).

These three dart points are shown in the images below. Note the whitish patination along the lateral margins of the San Patrice point shown on the right. This pattern of weathering usually reflects exposure of some period of time on the surface, or some other chemical alteration. This may indicate the point had a different history from other materials.

This is the lowest sub-stratum at Horn Shelter affiliated with San Patrice peoples. The dual burial which originated in overlying Sub-Stratum 5G was dug through this layer. The interface with Stratum 5G is indistinct, and in fact, the overlying stratum may be a continuation of this deposit with a slight alteration in coloring due to more intense use.

Examples of artifacts from Sub-Stratum 5F, including chipped-stone tools, worked animal bone, and ocher. Enlarge to see more examples and identifications. Photo by Albert Redder. Enlarge Image
Base of Brazos, or San Patrice, point (both faces shown), from Stratum 5F. Enlarge Image
Refit, stemmed projectile point (both faces shown) resembling type Wilson. The base of this point was found in Stratum 5F, the distal portion in the overlying Stratum 5g. Enlarge Image
Brazos, or San Patrice, point with fractured basal portion. Note patination, or weathering, along lateral edge on both sides of this specimen. Enlarge Image
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