286 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Boll. 176 



similar to simple stamps. This last specimen is about the size and 

 shape of the popular native "gamestones" (No. 235). 



Elk metapodial -flesher (1) {fig. 24-, /). — It is formed of the articu- 

 lated metapodial, calcaneus, and astragalus of elk. The proximal 

 end of the metapodial was reduced in diameter, and a chisel-shaped 

 end bears 13 serrations or small notches. The specimen is 32.0 cm. 

 in length (Nos. 154-155). 



Fleshing tool {?) (1) {fig. ^i, e). — This is a straight section of 

 charred elk antler 24.5 cm. long and 3.8 cm. thick. A shallow groove 

 is cut around the midsection. Though not complete, this specimen is 

 suggestive of the elk antler "beamers" or hide scrapers used by Plains 

 tribes, among which are the Mandan and Hidatsa (No. 220) . 



Ari'ow shaft wrench {1) {fig. 24, c). — This is made of the rib of a 

 large animal, probably bison, and has two perforations 1.0 cm. in 

 diameter (No. 96). 



Bone head {1). — The long bone of a small mammal, 2.1 cm, long and 

 4.0 mm. in diameter; it has square ends (S.I. 32). 



Antler tifs {2) {f,g. 24, c). — These are cut square from the antler, 

 presumably with a metal blade. Both tips are worn and polished 

 (Nos. 214 and 232). 



Antler fraginent {1). — This small cylinder was taken from near the 

 point of an antler. One end has a small hole in it (No. 231) . 



The distribution of the artifacts found in Kipp's Post is shown in 

 figure 25. 



FAUNAL REMAINS 



A considerable amount of animal remains was recovered. These 

 remains included bison, deer, fish, and bird. Information about them 

 is presented in tabular form in Appendix 3. 



CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSION 



THE SITE AND STRUCTURES 



The site was situated on the left or north bank of the "Wliite Earth 

 Eiver a short distance from the Missouri River. It was apparently 

 built apart from any permanent Indian villages, as evidences of earth 

 lodges or of earth-lodge villages were not found in the immediate 

 vicinity. The post was less elaborate than either Fort Berthold I or 

 Fort Berthold II, and contained fewer structures and accessory fea- 

 tures. It was probably built for a short-range fur-trade program. 



The first terrace of the Missouri and Wliite Earth Rivers is about 

 300 yards to the south, and at the time the post was in operation the 

 banks of the White Earth River must have been near the terrace. 

 Tradition states that boats landed near the post when it was occupied. 



