When Temper Flares: Comparisons of Ceramic Attributes from the Thompson Site with Inference to Subsistence Patterns
Disciplines
Archaeological Anthropology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Located in Gordon County, the Thompson Site contains archaeological information that may help to further the understanding of ancient indigenous cultures in the northeast region of Georgia. Subsistence patterns on the eve of corn agriculture remains an area of interest for archaeologists who believe further investigation is necessary, specifically dating between the Late Woodland (700-1000 CE) and Middle Mississippian (1100-1350 CE) periods. A direct method of learning about corn agriculture at this time is through preserved plant remains, such as charred corn kernels. At Thompson, little charred material has been recovered. As a consequence, an indirect method involves examining pottery to determine the nature and structure of food production. Pottery serves, both literally and figuratively, as vessels for a multitude of functions in the past depending on different factors. These factors include form, surface decoration, vessel thickness, presence of sooting from cooking over an open fire, and the type of temper or inclusions added to the clay of the pot prior to firing. Many of the ceramics found at Thompson are believed to have come from houses and an earthen mound located nearby. The mound contained a number of burials, likely of important individuals from within the community. This research focuses on examining the pottery coming from within the earthen mound and houses to determine how they were used in various activities including cooking and storing food. Are there any differences in the pots used between the houses and the burials in the mound? How important is surface decoration and temper in the function of pottery? Essentially, will it be possible to observe changes over time in the function of pottery as corn agriculture became more important throughout the Mississippian period.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - Geography & Anthropology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Terry Powis
When Temper Flares: Comparisons of Ceramic Attributes from the Thompson Site with Inference to Subsistence Patterns
Located in Gordon County, the Thompson Site contains archaeological information that may help to further the understanding of ancient indigenous cultures in the northeast region of Georgia. Subsistence patterns on the eve of corn agriculture remains an area of interest for archaeologists who believe further investigation is necessary, specifically dating between the Late Woodland (700-1000 CE) and Middle Mississippian (1100-1350 CE) periods. A direct method of learning about corn agriculture at this time is through preserved plant remains, such as charred corn kernels. At Thompson, little charred material has been recovered. As a consequence, an indirect method involves examining pottery to determine the nature and structure of food production. Pottery serves, both literally and figuratively, as vessels for a multitude of functions in the past depending on different factors. These factors include form, surface decoration, vessel thickness, presence of sooting from cooking over an open fire, and the type of temper or inclusions added to the clay of the pot prior to firing. Many of the ceramics found at Thompson are believed to have come from houses and an earthen mound located nearby. The mound contained a number of burials, likely of important individuals from within the community. This research focuses on examining the pottery coming from within the earthen mound and houses to determine how they were used in various activities including cooking and storing food. Are there any differences in the pots used between the houses and the burials in the mound? How important is surface decoration and temper in the function of pottery? Essentially, will it be possible to observe changes over time in the function of pottery as corn agriculture became more important throughout the Mississippian period.