Variation in the Washita River Phase of Central and Western Oklahoma

Recent investigations at a number of Plains Village sites in central and western Oklahoma have provided materials and radiocarbon dates that permit us to examine regional variations among Washita River phase (A.D. 1100-1450) sites. An analysis of available dates indicates that the temporal span for this phase should be redefined to about A.D. 1250 to 1450. A comparison of lithics, pottery, and settlement patterns reveals some distinctions between villages in central and western sections of the Washita River drainage. These differences are suggested to represent regional subdivisions, possibly subtribal divisions, of a general Southern Plains adaptation.