Antler, ivory, coal, and volcanic rocks from the Alaskan mainland are found in large quantities, suggesting that travel and trade were common practices. Such exchanges probably created social ties and helped people gain access to resources in different ecological settings. Many of these rare materials were made into jewelry or small pieces off art. The labret, or decorative lip plug, appears for the first time in the Kachemak tradition as do intricate ivory carvings. Another characteristic if the Late Kachemak is the elaborate treatment of the dead.
Burials are common and often include multiple individuals and grave goods.
About 800 years ago, Kodiak's climate began to change dramatically in response to the Little Ice Age. Temperatures cooled, the weather worsened, and sea mammals became more difficult to catch. Alutiiq people responded by relocating their villages to the banks of productive salmon streams and reorganized subsistence practices. Related families lived together in larger, multiple roomed sod houses, pooling resources and labor. Strong community leaders emerged and organized ceremonies to display their power and wealth.