essay
Archaic mortuary sites in the central Mississippi drainage: distribution, structure, and behavioral implications
archaic hunters and gatherers in the american midwest • New York • Published In 1983 • Pages: 117-145
By: Charles, Douglas K., 1952, Buikstra, Jane E..
Abstract
Charles and Buikstra examined Archaic mortuary sites (pre-Titterington and Titterington phases or Middle and Late Archaic) within the central Mississippi River drainage. They surmise the people were already sedentary and that there was significant competition for resources by 6000 B.P. based on the location of cemeteries on bluff-tops. Placing cemeteries at the edge of the bluff means they would be clearly visible from the valley floor and therefore act as territorial markers. They also found that an individual's rank within the group was not as important as establishing membership within the group. ['…Inclusion in the corporate unit is of utmost importance, with individual status rarely deemed significant' (page 134).] An adult's status was based on the 'ability to participate in subsistence activities, whereas infants and children were accorded that right without the necessity of economic production' (page 140).
- HRAF PubDate
- 2001
- Region
- North America
- Sub Region
- Eastern Woodlands
- Document Type
- essay
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Archaeologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Sarah Berry ; 2000
- Field Date
- not specified
- Coverage Date
- 5720 BP - 4880 BP
- Coverage Place
- Helton phase; central Mississippi River drainage; United States
- Notes
- Douglas K. Charles and Jane E. Buikstra
- Based on a symposium held at the Midwest Archaeological Conference, University of Illinois at Chicago, October 1980
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 141-145)
- LCCN
- 82024459
- LCSH
- Indians of North America--Middle West--Antiquities