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Find the odd one out of the artifacts

Artifacts from different eras may be discovered at the same excavation site. Generally, objects found on the surface are more recent than those found deeper. However, soil disturbances from natural or man-made causes may displace the artifacts. Archaeologists recognize the odd artifacts. How about you?

The challenge consists of answering four multiple-choice questions.

Note: An HTML version is available here should you experience issues.

  • Find the odd one out
    Find the artifact that is not from the same era as the other two.

  • 1. Three artifacts discovered on the Cliche-Rancourt site in Lake Megantic.

  • Base fragment of a fluted point identified by letter A
    A
  • Distal part of a fluted point identified by letter B
    B
  • Plano point fragment identified by letter C
    C
  • 2. Three objects discovered on the Gaudreau site in Weedon.

  • Pottery shard identified by letter A
    A
  • Ste. Anne-Varney point base identified by letter B
    B
  • Levanna point identified by letter C
    C
  • 3. Three objects discovered on the Kruger 2 site in Sherbrooke.

  • Shell from a 16-gauge gun identified by letter A
    A
  • Projectile point identified by letter B
    B
  • Stone borer identified by letter C
    C
  • 4. Three objects discovered on the Gaudreau site in Weedon.

  • Tinkling cone identified by letter A
    A
  • Flintlock stone identified by the letter B
    B
  • Polished point identified by letter C
    C
  • Answer key

  • 1-Answer: C - Plano point fragment from the Late Palaeoindian period.
    Artifacts A and B represent two Clovis fluted point fragments dating from the Early Palaeoindian period.

  • Artifacts A and B represent two Clovis fluted point fragments dating from the Early Palaeoindian period.
  • 2-Answer: B - Plano point fragment from the Late Palaeoindian period.
    Artifacts A and C represent a piece of ceramic and a projectile point from the Woodland period.

  • Artifacts A and C represent a piece of ceramic and a projectile point from the Woodland period.
  • 3-Answer: A - The shell from a 16-gauge gun.
    The projectile point (B) and the stone borer (C) are dated from the Late Palaeoindian period.

  • The projectile point (B) and the stone borer (C) are dated from the Late Palaeoindian period.
  • 4-Answer: B - Plano point fragment from the Late Palaeoindian period.
    Artifacts A and C represent a piece of ceramic and a projectile point from the Woodland period.

  • Artifacts A and C represent a piece of ceramic and a projectile point from the Woodland period.