The archaeological remains at sites 38HR475 and 38HR476 bear a great deal of similarity, and are physically separated only by a narrow drainage. Woodland shell middens are scattered across both sites, buried just a few centimeters below the ground surface. Pottery fragments are similarly scattered about the two sites. A variety of pottery types are present, representing several Native American periods identified by archaeologists. However, the majority are clearly comprised of Middle Woodland Hanover pottery.
Hanover pottery is distinguished by the lumpy clay/sherd (grog) temper, fabric impressed surfaces, and a recurring conical vessel form. Other artifacts associated with the midden deposits include bone, lithics, and charred plant remains. In addition to scattered midden and artifact concentrations, a number of pit and post features were identified.
At least five ceramic types were identified during MNV analyses. It was not always possible to assign a cultural type to a vessel. In those cases, we examined surface decoration and temper to differentiate vessels.
38HR475
At site 38HR475, 1,442 diagnostic sherds recovered during Data Recovery were examined as part of Minimum Vessel Analysis. The 125 eroded and unidentified decoration sherds from 38HR475 were also examined briefly in as far as they posed the potential to mend with other diagnostic sherds as part of a vessel. Exceptionally at 38HR475, sherds from Scrape 3 from the testing portion of field evaluation were examined in conjunction with Block 4, as the two adjoined. Additionally, the sole representative sample of a Mississippian component from 38HR475, which was found during the testing phase, was counted as a distinct vessel. In total, 815 sherds mended to form 82 vessels.
38HR476
During Data Recovery at 38HR476, all of the 932 diagnostic sherds were examined during the MNV analysis. Where appropriate, the 99 eroded and unidentified decoration sherds were included in analysis if they posed the potential to mend with other diagnostic sherds as part of a vessel. In total, 587 sherds mended to form 63 vessels.
Post-Production Modifications
Vessels and sherds sometimes undergo modification by their users. If a vessel were to develop a small split or crack, it may be possible to mend the vessel by drilling holes on either side of the crack and suturing the break. We see the evidence of this activity in the form of mend holes. A number of sherds at 38HR475 and 38HR476 showed evidence of mend holes.
Other post-production modifications could include use as a ceramic tool. Generally, the abrasions left by such usage are used to help determine what purpose the vessel fragments and/or sherds served. At 38HR475 and 38HR465, several sherds and vessel fragments were used as edge or surface abraders. Click here for a table listing vessels and sherds with post-production modifications.
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