Gatecliff Shelter
Great Basin Archaic (6300 BCE – 1300 CE)·Great Basin Archaic·🇺🇸 Nevada, United States
About
About Gatecliff Shelter
Gatecliff Shelter in Nevada, United States is a Great Basin Archaic (6300 BCE – 1300 CE) cave attributed to Great Basin Archaic culture. David Hurst Thomas 1970–78 excavation revealed 10 m of stratified deposits, Horizon 2–16, 4,000 projectile points, atlatl to bow transition, dated 6300 BCE–1300 CE. Systematic excavation and published survey document stratified deposits, architectural phasing and georeferenced plans. Built Natural – occupation c.6300 BCE; purpose: Seasonal hunting camp in Monitor Valley, deepest stratified rockshelter in Americas. Significance includes multi-phase occupation and landscape setting at 2360 m elevation.
Why it mattersDavid Hurst Thomas 1970–78 excavation revealed 10 m of stratified deposits, Horizon 2–16, 4,000 projectile points, atlatl to bow transition, dated 6300 BCE–1300 CE.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing at Gatecliff Shelter
- 02Function and labor organization for cave – ritual vs residential debate
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre model for Great Basin Archaic
- 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.6300 BCE
- Period
- Great Basin Archaic (6300 BCE – 1300 CE)
- Culture
- Great Basin Archaic
- Builders
- Archaic foragers
- Purpose
- Seasonal hunting camp in Monitor Valley, deepest stratified rockshelter in Americas
- Excavation
- Excavated
Natural – occupation c.6300 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation
c.500 CE
Major refurbishment / second occupation phase
On the ground
Structures & features
39.0069° N · 116.7786° W · 2360 m · 3 mapped features
Gatecliff Shelter — Principal Monument
cavePrincipal Monument at Gatecliff Shelter – cave (Great Basin Archaic (6300 BCE – 1300 CE)) – David Hurst Thomas 1970–78 excavation revealed 10 m of strat
39.0079° N · 116.7776° WGatecliff Shelter — Ancillary Complex
stratigraphyAncillary Complex at Gatecliff Shelter – stratigraphy (Great Basin Archaic (6300 BCE – 1300 CE)) – David Hurst Thomas 1970–78 excavation revealed 10 m of strat
39.0057° N · 116.7794° WGatecliff Shelter — Outlier Feature
pictographOutlier Feature at Gatecliff Shelter – pictograph (Great Basin Archaic (6300 BCE – 1300 CE)) – David Hurst Thomas 1970–78 excavation revealed 10 m of strat
39.0089° N · 116.7771° W