Intercemetery morphological variation in Arikara crania from the Mobridge Site (39WW1).

Multivariate analysis is used to examine intrasite variation in cranial morphology in the Mobridge Arikara skeletal collection. The site included three spatially distinct burial areas. The burial areas (features) are defined according to geographic location. Feature 1 is a small hill west of the village. Feature 2 is a large, long hill 200-300 yards south of the village. Feature 3 is a small knoll 100 yards south of Feature 1. The internal chronology of Mobridge has not been established with precision, but order has been postulated based on archeological data. Previous researchers have considered area 2 to be later than areas 1 and 3. Significant morphological heterogeneity exists between areas. Sample differences indicate that specific features were used by temporally distinct populations. The archaeologically proposed temporal ordering of the cemeteries is supported by osteological evidence.