Marmes Rockshelter
Paleo-Indian to Protohistoric (10,000 BCE – 1800 CE)·Columbia Plateau Paleo-Indian to Cayuse·🇺🇸 Washington, United States
About
About Marmes Rockshelter
Marmes Rockshelter in Washington, United States is a Paleo-Indian to Protohistoric (10,000 BCE – 1800 CE) cave attributed to Columbia Plateau Paleo-Indian to Cayuse culture. Richard Daugherty 1962–68 excavation: 10,000-year sequence, 12,000 artifacts, human remains dated 10,000 BP (Marmes Man) – oldest in Plateau. Systematic excavation and published survey document stratified deposits, architectural phasing and georeferenced plans. Built Natural – occupation c.10,000 BCE; purpose: Riverine shelter above Snake River, cemeteries and cache pits. Significance includes multi-phase occupation and landscape setting at 265 m elevation.
Why it mattersRichard Daugherty 1962–68 excavation: 10,000-year sequence, 12,000 artifacts, human remains dated 10,000 BP (Marmes Man) – oldest in Plateau.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing at Marmes Rockshelter
- 02Function and labor organization for cave – ritual vs residential debate
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre model for Columbia Plateau Paleo-Indian to Cayuse
- 02Territorial marker / elite residence hypothesis
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Natural – occupation c.10,000 BCE
- Period
- Paleo-Indian to Protohistoric (10,000 BCE – 1800 CE)
- Culture
- Columbia Plateau Paleo-Indian to Cayuse
- Builders
- Plateau foragers
- Purpose
- Riverine shelter above Snake River, cemeteries and cache pits
- Excavation
- Excavated
Natural – occupation c.10,000 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation
c.500 CE
Major refurbishment / second occupation phase
On the ground
Structures & features
46.6170° N · 118.2040° W · 265 m · 3 mapped features
- Marmes Rockshelter — Principal MonumentcavePrincipal Monument at Marmes Rockshelter – cave (Paleo-Indian to Protohistoric (10,000 BCE – 1800 CE)) – Richard Daugherty 1962–68 excavation: 10,000-year sequence,46.6180° N · 118.2030° W
- Marmes Rockshelter — Ancillary ComplexstratigraphyAncillary Complex at Marmes Rockshelter – stratigraphy (Paleo-Indian to Protohistoric (10,000 BCE – 1800 CE)) – Richard Daugherty 1962–68 excavation: 10,000-year sequence,46.6158° N · 118.2048° W
- Marmes Rockshelter — Outlier FeaturepictographOutlier Feature at Marmes Rockshelter – pictograph (Paleo-Indian to Protohistoric (10,000 BCE – 1800 CE)) – Richard Daugherty 1962–68 excavation: 10,000-year sequence,46.6190° N · 118.2025° W
Gallery