Cornet Bay Revisited: Placing the Excavations Conducted at 45-IS-31b within a Regional Context

This research re-examines the chronological interpretations of the prehistoric occupation at Comet Bay, Whidbey Island, Washington. Bryan's excavation in the 1950s produced an assemblage that he felt illustrated a transition from a terrestrial to maritime economy. Important aspects of the site, such as the possible existence of a house structure, and the additional artifacts collected by Nelson, also in the 1950s, have not been adequately described in the literature. This research integrates Bryan and Nelsons' excavations, utilizes diagnostic artifact in assigning chronological interpretations, and evaluates the house structure and artifact assemblage in light of more recent excavations and interpretations.