Hadfields Cave: a perspective on Late Woodland culture in northeastern Iowa

Benn, David W.

Book

Hadfields Cave: a perspective on Late Woodland culture in northeastern Iowa

Office of the State Archaeologist, University of Iowa • Iowa City • Published In 1980 • Pages: xii, 238

By: Benn, David W..

Abstract
Benn excavated Hadfields Cave, a site that dates from the Intermediate period to the beginning of the Late Woodland, or 1700 B.P.- 1200 B.P. (300 A.D. to 800 A.D.). The upper stratum date from 500 A.D. to 800 A.D. and include Linn and Madison Ware ceramics. The author does not always distinguish between the stratum when discussing the tools or ceramics so the reader needs to use caution. Benn has named the Late Woodland complexes in northeastern Iowa the Keyes Phase, a component of the Effigy Mound Tradition. Benn describes the ceramics found in the cave and compares them to others in the neighboring states. The twined fabrics found as part of the cord and/or fabric-roughened decorations on the ceramics are described in detail and some of the fabrics are reconstructed. The stone, bone, and shell tools and musical instruments are described and some of them are shown in the plates. Seed remains were 'extracted from 341 liters of soil systematically sampled from features and levels…at the site.' (page 122). These are used to help reconstruct environment, diet, fuel use, and seasonality. The growth rings in the white-tailed deer teeth were examined for seasonality indicators as were the faunal remains and it appears the cave was occupied during the fall, winter and spring.

Archaeological excavation methods

Woven and other interworked fabrics

Bone, horn, and shell technology

Ceramic technology

Lithic industries

Weapons