From Burnt Post Marks to Broken Pottery Vessels: Encouraging Signs of Early Woodland Life at the Cummings Site in North Georgia
Disciplines
Archaeological Anthropology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Cummings (9BR710) is a multi-component site with occupations dating from the Late Archaic (BC 3000-1000) through the Middle Mississippian (AD 1200-1375) periods. It is located about three kilometers northwest of the Etowah Indian Mounds in Bartow County, Georgia. The site is situated about 500 meters from the Etowah River. Over the past five years archaeological investigations have focused on the Early Wilbanks Phase (AD 1250-1375) occupation and the site’s relationship to Etowah in the 13th century. Current research however has identified an Early Woodland (BC 1000-300) component based on the recovery of significant quantities of Dunlap Fabric Impressed pottery. The presence of steatite fragments and Savannah River points may indicate a transitional Late Archaic-Early Woodland manifestation. The occurrence of Cartersville Series ceramic types, including Cartersville Check Stamped and Cartersville Simple Stamped (but no Cartersville Linear Check Stamped) suggests this occupation continued into the Middle Woodland period. Three possible Early Woodland features have been identified, and the authors plan to compare Dunlap content with other recovered ceramic sherds to confirm whether they primarily date to this period of occupation. Based on the ceramic and lithic artifacts and the presence of pit features, possibly associated with domestic habitation, Cummings likely represents a small settlement, perhaps representing a nuclear family or two, engaged in the harvesting, processing, and storage of forest resources. A comparison of results with other nearby sites and elsewhere in north Georgia will also be provided.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - Geography & Anthropology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Terry Powis
From Burnt Post Marks to Broken Pottery Vessels: Encouraging Signs of Early Woodland Life at the Cummings Site in North Georgia
Cummings (9BR710) is a multi-component site with occupations dating from the Late Archaic (BC 3000-1000) through the Middle Mississippian (AD 1200-1375) periods. It is located about three kilometers northwest of the Etowah Indian Mounds in Bartow County, Georgia. The site is situated about 500 meters from the Etowah River. Over the past five years archaeological investigations have focused on the Early Wilbanks Phase (AD 1250-1375) occupation and the site’s relationship to Etowah in the 13th century. Current research however has identified an Early Woodland (BC 1000-300) component based on the recovery of significant quantities of Dunlap Fabric Impressed pottery. The presence of steatite fragments and Savannah River points may indicate a transitional Late Archaic-Early Woodland manifestation. The occurrence of Cartersville Series ceramic types, including Cartersville Check Stamped and Cartersville Simple Stamped (but no Cartersville Linear Check Stamped) suggests this occupation continued into the Middle Woodland period. Three possible Early Woodland features have been identified, and the authors plan to compare Dunlap content with other recovered ceramic sherds to confirm whether they primarily date to this period of occupation. Based on the ceramic and lithic artifacts and the presence of pit features, possibly associated with domestic habitation, Cummings likely represents a small settlement, perhaps representing a nuclear family or two, engaged in the harvesting, processing, and storage of forest resources. A comparison of results with other nearby sites and elsewhere in north Georgia will also be provided.