AN EXCAVATION SETS HISTORY STRAIGHT • ARCHAEOLOGY WINS at CAESARS a Quarterly Publication of the Archaeological Conservancy

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AN EXCAVATION SETS HISTORY STRAIGHT • ARCHAEOLOGY WINS AT CAESARS american archaeologySPRING 2001 american archaeologyVol. 5 No. 1 a quarterly publication of The Archaeological Conservancy

FOUR PROFESSIONALS TELL HOW THEY DO IT enter our photo contest see page 3 for details $3.95 HELP PRESERVE A WINDOW INTO THE PAST Join The Archaeological Conservancy and become a member of the only national non-profit organization preserving the country’s endangered archaeological sites. Your support will help save America’s cultural heritage before it’s lost forever. As a Conservancy member, you’ll receive American Archaeology, which will keep you up to date on the latest discoveries, news, and events in archaeology in the Americas. You’ll also learn about the Conservancy’s current preservation projects.

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Please make your check payable to The Archaeological Conservancy. SP01A american archaeology a quarterly publication of The Archaeological Conservancy Vol. 5 No. 1 spring 2001

COVER FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHING 21 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES Four exceptional photographers show their work and give insights on how to take remarkable pictures.

11 LEGENDS OF ARCHAEOLOGY: SAVING THE SERPENT BY BRADLEY LEPPER Amazed and puzzled by Serpent Mound, Frederick W. Putnam was determined to excavate and preserve it. 14 HITTING AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL JACKPOT BY MARIA BRADEN Caesars’s plan to build a grand casino in Indiana resulted in a huge archaeological project. 29 RIGHTING HISTORY BY CHERYL PELLERIN Thomas Jefferson conducted American archaeology’s first excavation. Working at a Monacan Indian village that may be the same site as Jefferson’s, Jeffrey Hantman’s archaeology is informing history. 34 PLEASURE GARDENS, ALCOHOL ENEMAS, 2 Lay of the Land AND CHOCOLATE-COVERED TAMALES BY ROB CRISELL 3 Letters Ancient Americans knew how to party. 5 Events 40 new acquisition: 7 In the News GATEWAY TO THE MID-ATLANTIC Amateur Archaeologist Finds Rare The Maddox Island site on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is Wisconsin Rock Art • Rethinking the the Conservancy’s 200th acquisition. Mesa Verde Migrations • Ancient South Carolina Petroglyphs Discovered 42 new acquisition: GUARANTEEING THE FUTURE OF THE 44 Field Notes LAKE KORONIS MOUNDS The Conservancy acquires a 2,000-year-old 46 Expeditions group of mounds in Minnesota. 48 Reviews 43 new acquisition: PRESERVING A RARE CADDOAN COVER: One of Mesa Verde National Park’s most MOUND IN TEXAS spectacular ruins, Cliff Palace, at sunset. The Conservancy’s latest POINT acquisition is photograph by Jerry Jacka one of only two documented Caddo ash mounds. american archaeology 1 Lay of the Land

Seeing the Art in Archaeology

efore there was history, there was featured photographers find beauty in art. From the dawn of human exis- the ruins of past cultures. B tence the urge for artistic expres- Too often when we think of ar- sion has always existed. We now have chaeology, we think only of science a 50,000-year-old flute, and we all and history. Let’s also take the time to know the wonderful Lascaux cave enjoy the aesthetic. Not everyone can paintings of 30,000 years ago. In our draw the ruins like an artist, but any- News section, we report on a startling body can take a photograph. But it’s a find in Wisconsin of extensive cave skill that takes thought and practice,

paintings. Among my favorite works and we hope all our readers will use POORE are the wonderful 1840s drawings of our experts’ advice to improve your Maya ruins by Frederick Catherwood. pictures. When you have digested the D A R R E N In this issue we focus on the art instructions, you’ll be ready to take of the archaeological photographer. some pictures and enter our photo From the jungles of Mesoamerica to contest. We are really looking forward the deserts of southern California, our to some great entries. MARK MICHEL, President

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NATIVE ALASKA: UNEARTHING THE PAST, PRESERVING THE FUTURE AUGUST 5-12, 2001

FOUR CORNERS COUNTRY: ARCHAEOLOGY AND NATIVE PEOPLES OF THE COLORADO PLATEAU SEPTEMBER 8-16, 2001

RETURN TO CARRIZO MOUNTAIN: THE KAYENTA CONNECTION SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2001

CROW CANYON ARCHAEOLOGICAL CENTER 23390 ROAD K . CORTEZ, COLORADO 81321 (800) 422-8975 WWW.CROWCANYON.ORG CCAC’s programs and admission practices are open to applicants of any race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin.

2 spring • 2001 Letters

A Researcher Gets His Due In 1950, an expedition spon- I just finished reading “Fishing in the sored by the Texas Historical Society Editor’s Corner Desert” in the Winter issue and I found the fort’s location by following Do you love to take photographs of arti- have to say, Bravo! I had the pleasure clues in Henri Joutel’s journal. Evans, facts, ruins, and rock art? If you do, of meeting Jay von Werlhof on sev- then associate director of the Society’s here’s your chance to win a prize and eral occasions and he’s guided me Memorial Museum, pinpointed the get your pictures published in American through the southern California site’s location, and with a small crew, Archaeology. In our Fall issue, we will desert to view geoglyphs and fish worked there for four months, firmly announce the winners of our contest traps. He is such a wonderful and establishing the site’s identification as and publish the winning photographs. The first prize winner will receive a dedicated man. One need only chat Fort St. Louis. During the following check for $150, the second prize winner with him a few minutes to realize his decades, the site became a magnet for $75, and the third prize winner $25. love for the desert and dedication to trophy hunters, leading to the disco- All winners receive a gift membership. his research. While I have heard very of one of the cannons buried Good luck. about the fish traps, it was a treat to there by the Spanish in 1689. News Contest Rules: All photographs must have get to read about them. Thank you of this discovery prompted the Texas archaeological subjects, such as ruins, for including this article on Jay and Historical Commission to begin their mounds, artifacts, or rock art. The dead- his research. current and admirable operation. line for entries is July 2, 2001. Contes- Sandy Kennedy John Graves tants must be amateur photographers. Anaheim, California Glen Rose, Texas Submissions must be limited to five photographs or fewer. Submissions will The Real Discoverers of the Article Doesn’t Prove Cannibalism not be returned unless they include Fort St. Louis Site? It is necessary to prove statements a self-addressed stamped envelope. I enjoyed “La Salle, La Belle, and the and facts, and not simply state opin- Photographs can be slides or prints, color or black and white. Digital submis- Lone Star State” in the Fall issue, but ions. It’s too bad this was not done in sions will not be accepted. All photo- the Texas Historical Commission’s the Winter issue News article “Prehis- graphs must be labeled with the apparent intention to take credit for toric Colorado Site Shows Evidence photographer’s name. Please include the discovery of Fort St. Louis with- of Cannibalism.” Are you not aware information that identifies the picture out mention of the pioneer work of the widespread criticism of Malar and tells where and when it was taken, done at the site by Glen Evans and and Billman’s work for its lack of sci- and the name of the photographer.No his crew does not sit well with me. entific method, such as the use of photographs may have been previously their own invented but untested published. American Archaeology has method for detecting myoglobin, or the right to publish the winning photo- Sending Letters to graphs in its Fall issue without compen- did you choose to ignore the criti- American Archaeology sating the photographers over and cism? Whatever the answer, the im- American Archaeology welcomes your above the aforementioned prize money. letters. Write to us at 5301 Central pression the article gives is that can- Send submissions to: Avenue NE, Suite 402, Albuquerque, NM nibalism is proven, a conclusion American Archaeology 87108-1517, or send us e-mail at many of us involved with archaeolog- Attn: Photography Contest [email protected]. ical research in the Southwest would 5301 Central Avenue NE, Suite 402 We reserve the right to edit and Albuquerque, NM 87108 publish letters in the magazine’s Letters dispute. department as space permits. Please Peter Bullock, Project Director and include your name, address, and telephone Staff Archaeologist, Museum of New number with all correspondence, including Mexico’s Office of Archaeological e-mail messages. Michael Bawaya, Editor Studies, Santa Fe, New Mexico

american archaeology 3 WELCOME TO ® THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL 5301 Central Avenue NE, Suite 402 CONSERVANCY! Albuquerque, NM 87108-1517 • (505) 266-1540 www.americanarchaeology.org he Archaeological Conservancy is the only national non-profit Board of Directors organization that identifies, Earl Gadbery, Pennsylvania, CHAIRMAN Olds Anderson, Michigan • Cecil F. Antone, Arizona • Janet Creighton, Washington acquires, and preserves the most Christopher B. Donnan, California • Janet EtsHokin, Illinois • Jerry EtsHokin, Illinois significant archaeological sites in the t W. James Judge, Colorado • Jay T. Last, California United States. Since its beginning in James B. Richardson, Pennsylvania • Peter O. A. Solbert, New York 1980, the Conservancy has preserved Rosamond Stanton, New Mexico • Vincus Steponaitis, North Carolina more than 200 sites across the nation, Dee Ann Story, Texas • Stewart L. Udall, New Mexico ranging in age from the earliest habita- Conservancy Staff tion sites in North America to a 19th- Mark Michel, President • Tione Joseph, Office Manager century frontier army post. We are build- Erika Olsson, Membership Director • Shelley Smith, Membership Assistant ing a national system of archaeological Martha Mulvany, Special Projects Director • Yvonne Woolfolk, Administrative Assistant preserves to ensure the survival of our Heather Wooddell, Administrative Assistant irreplaceable cultural heritage. Regional Offices and Directors Why Save Archaeological Sites? The Jim Walker, Southwest Region (505) 266-1540 ancient people of North America left 5301 Central Avenue NE, Suite 402 • Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108-1517 virtually no written records of their Lynn Dunbar, Western Region (916) 448-1892 cultures. Clues that might someday 1217 23rd Street • Sacramento, California 95816-4917 solve the mysteries of prehistoric America are still missing, and when Paul Gardner, Midwest Region (614) 267-1100 295 Acton Road • Columbus, Ohio 43214-3305 a ruin is destroyed by looters, or leveled for a shopping center, Alan Gruber, Southeast Region (770) 975-4344 precious information is lost. By 5997 Cedar Crest Road • Acworth, Georgia 30101 permanently preserving endangered ruins, we make sure they will be Rob Crisell, Eastern Region (703) 979-4410 here for future generations to study 1307 S. Glebe Road • Arlington, Virginia 22204 and enjoy. ® How We Raise Funds: Funds for american archaeology the Conservancy come from membership dues, individual PUBLISHER: Mark Michel contributions, corporations, and EDITOR: Michael Bawaya (505) 266-9668, [email protected] foundations. Gifts and bequests of SENIOR EDITOR: Rob Crisell money, land, and securities are fully ASSISTANT EDITOR: Tamara Stewart tax deductible under section 501(c)(3) CREATIVE & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Kathleen Sparkes, White Hart Design of the Internal Revenue Code. Planned giving provides donors with Editorial Advisory Board substantial tax deductions and a James Bruseth, Texas Historical Commission • Allen Dart, Old Pueblo Archaeology Center variety of beneficiary possibilities. Hester Davis, Arkansas Archeological Survey • David Dye, University of Memphis For more information, call Mark John Foster, California State Parks • Lynne Goldstein, Michigan State University Michel at (505) 266-1540. Megg Heath, Bureau of Land Management • Susan Hector, San Diego County Parks Gwynn Henderson, Kentucky Archaeological Registry • John Henderson, Cornell University The Role of the Magazine: American Archaeology is the only popular John Kelly, Washington University • Robert Kuhn, New York Historic Preservation magazine devoted to presenting the William Lipe, Washington State University • Mark Lynott, National Park Service rich diversity of archaeology in the Bonnie McEwan, San Luis Historic Site • Giovanna Peebles, Vermont State Archaeologist Americas. The purpose of the Peter Pilles, U.S. Forest Service • John Roney, Bureau of Land Management magazine is to help readers appreci- Kenneth Sassaman, University of Florida • Dennis Stanford, Smithsonian Institution ate and understand the archaeologi- Kathryn Toepel, Heritage Research Associates • Richard Woodbury, University of Massachusetts cal wonders available to them, and to raise their awareness of the National Advertising Office destruction of our cultural heritage. Richard Bublitz, Advertising Representative; 22247 Burbank Boulevard, By sharing new discoveries, research, Woodland Hills, California 91367; (818) 992-0366; fax (818) 716-1030 and activities in an enjoyable and [email protected] informative way, we hope we can make learning about ancient America American Archaeology (ISSN 1093-8400) is published quarterly by The Archaeological Conservancy, 5301 Central Avenue NE, Suite 402, Albuquerque, NM 87108-1517. Title registered U.S. Pat. and TM Office, © 2001 by TAC. Printed in the as exciting as it is essential. United States. Periodicals postage paid Albuquerque, NM, and additional mailing offices. Single copies are $3.95. A one- year membership to the Conservancy is $25 and includes receipt of American Archaeology. Of the member’s dues, $6 is How to Say Hello: By mail: The designated for a one-year magazine subscription. READERS: For new memberships, renewals, or change of address, write to Archaeological Conservancy, 5301 The Archaeological Conservancy, 5301 Central Avenue NE, Suite 402, Albuquerque, NM 87108-1517, or call (505) 266- Central Avenue NE, Suite 402, 1540. For changes of address, include old and new addresses. Articles are published for educational purposes and do not Albuquerque, NM 87108-1517; by necessarily reflect the views of the Conservancy, its editorial board, or American Archaeology. Article proposals and artwork should be addressed to the editor. No responsibility assumed for unsolicited material. All articles receive expert review. phone: (505) 266-1540; by e-mail: POSTMASTER: Send address changes to American Archaeology, The Archaeological Conservancy, 5301 Central Avenue NE, [email protected]; or visit our Web Suite 402, Albuquerque, NM 87108-1517; (505) 266-1540. All rights reserved. site: www.americanarchaeology.org American Archaeology does not accept advertising from dealers in archaeological artifacts or antiquities.

4 spring • 2001 Museum exhibits • Tours • Festivals Meetings • Education • Conferences Events

■ NEW EXHIBITS High Desert Museum San Diego Museum of Man Bend, Ore.—“Gum San: Land of the Gold- San Diego, Calif.—Skeletal remains reveal en Mountain” explores the story of Chinese fascinating stories from the past in the new immigrants in the American West, celebrat- exhibit “The Bones Don’t Lie: Stories ing their often overlooked role in building from the Grave,” which displays hundreds railroads, mines, and towns in the 19th and of human bones, artifacts, and related early 20th centuries. The exhibit includes a research tools, as well as giving visitors a collection of rare artifacts, historic photo- variety of hands-on learning experiences. graphs, and contemporary photographs of (619) 239-2001 (New long-term exhibit) surviving Chinese sites. (541) 382-4754 (May 12–October 28) Anasazi Heritage Center Dolores, Colo.—“Mountain–Family–Spirit: ■ CONFERENCES & FESTIVALS Ute Indian Arts and Culture” highlights the Arizona Archaeology Awareness history and artistic achievements of the Month and Expo 2001 Nuuche (Ute people), whose homeland Throughout the month of March, the stretches across Colorado and Utah. The ex- Arizona State Parks Historic Preservation hibit includes a selection of historic artifacts. Office in Phoenix is coordinating statewide Open House (970) 882-4811 (April 16–August 31) events that focus on efforts to preserve Ari- at Arizona zona’s past. The highlight is Archaeology Museum of Indian Arts & Culture Expo in downtown Globe March 17–18, State Museum March 24, Tucson, Ariz. Santa Fe, N.M.—A photographic exhibit, which will include more than 50 educa- Experience the myth and mys- “Pana O’ahu: Sacred Stones—Sacred Places,” tional displays as well as demonstrations, tery of Arizona’s prehistory tells the story of the temples and shrines Native American storytelling, traditional when the museum opens its built by native peoples in Hawaii during food and music, and living history storerooms to share the period of Hawaiian sovereignty. reenactments. Contact Arizona its remarkable collections (505) 476-5105 (Through May 27) State Parks at (602) 542-4174 of pottery, kachinas, textiles, for a listing of events. baskets, and more. Admission Robert S. Peabody is free. (520) 626-8381 Museum of Archaeology Andover, Mass.—Drawing on recent archaeological research, “Peru: From Village to Empire” traces the evolution of ancient cultures and the rise of complex society in Peru, from Paleo-Indian peoples to the Inca Empire. More than 35 objects from the Chavín, Moche, Huari, Chimú,

MUSEUM and Inca cultures are

STATE included in the exhibit. (978) 749-4490

ARIZONA (Through June 30)

american archaeology 5 Events

19th Annual Wickliffe Mounds Pottery Workshop and Maya Weekend: Herbal Woodswalk The Four Corners of March 24–25, pottery workshop; April 28,

the Maya World herbal woodswalk, Wickliffe Mounds Re- MUSEUM March 23–25, University search Center, Wickliffe, Ky. Learn how to of Pennsylvania Museum of make a Mississippian-style coil pot, using CENTER Archaeology and Anthropology, examples of Wickliffe Mounds pottery in ARTS Philadelphia, Pa. Join top Maya the pottery workshop. Join a Native Amer- FINE Mexican scholars and hundreds of Maya enthu- ican herbalist on an herbal woodswalk Fine Arts siasts for a weekend of talks and hiero- along the Mississippian mounds trails MEXICAN glyphic workshops examining the language and learn about the medicinal use of Center Museum and history of the ancient Maya wild plants and how prehistoric peoples Chicago, Ill.—Recently culture. For more information contact the would have identified, gathered, and donated artifacts of pre- Special Events Office at (215) 898-4890. prepared them. Cuauhtémoc (pre-European contact) Mexico ranging from Society for California Archaeology 66th Annual Meeting of the 1100 B.C. to A.D. 1519 will be Annual Meeting Society for American Archaeology featured in the museum’s March 23–25, Doubletree Hotel, Modes- April 18–22, New Orleans Marriott and new “Mexicanidad: Our Past to, Calif. This year’s meeting will include Le Meridien, New Orleans, La. For infor- Is Present” exhibition, which symposia, forums, workshops, and general mation contact SAA headquarters at traces the development of sessions of papers and poster presentations. (202) 789-8200 or visit their Web site Mexican art, culture, religion, For more information check the Society’s at www.saa.org. history, and politics from Web site at www.scanet.org. ancient through modern times. (312) 738-1503 (New permanent exhibit opens April 28)

Pueblo Grande Museum Phoenix, Ariz.—The recently opened exhibit “Hidden History: Archaeology of Territorial Phoenix” features artifacts and information about Phoenix from the time of its founding to Arizona’s statehood (1870–1912). A variety of photographs and artifacts K recovered from recent excavations conducted within

the original Phoenix townsite will be on display. BOSTWIC

(602) 495-0901 (New long-term exhibit) ODD T

6 spring • 2001 in the Amateur Archaeologist Finds Rare Rock Art in Wisconsin NEWS Radiocarbon dating shows one drawing to be 1,100 years old.

ore than 100 cave drawings and carvings were found in a Mdeep three-room cave near La Crosse, Wisconsin. One of the drawings has been radiocarbon dated to around A.D. 900. James Gallagher, executive director of the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center (MVAC), calls the drawings “the most com- prehensive set of Native American paintings in the Upper Midwest.” He describes the rare cave paintings as a style of art not previously seen in this area, a style which has been linked to the Late Woodland Effigy Mound Culture, believed to be ancestors of today’s Ho

MVAC Chunk Nation. The rock art was discovered in 1993 by Dan Arnold, a local A bow hunter takes aim at a pregnant doe in this image. amateur archaeologist and spelunker, who contacted MVAC. The find scenes, such as an infant bound to types of artifacts have been found in was kept secret until the cave could a cradle board and a group of nine the Upper Midwest. be mapped and photographed, bow hunters in late winter surround- A team of experts from Uni- and a preservation program could ing and taking down six or seven versity of Wisconsin at La Crosse be worked out with the landowner. deer, including several pregnant and other institutions in West Elders and members of the Ho does. This panel lies directly beneath Virginia, Georgia, and Texas has Chunk Nation were among the images of a group of birds, bird feet, been working with MVAC to docu- first to view the drawings. and feathers, representing what ment the site in detail. With one “This cave contains as many Gallagher describes as a classic exam- drawing dated, researchers may be pictographs as are known from the ple of Native American separation of able to determine the age of other entire state of Wisconsin, and their earth and sky. One image may repre- prehistoric Wisconsin drawings preservation is excellent,” says sent a now extinct long-horned buf- through comparative analysis. Gallagher. “The style of rock art falo and, if so, probably dates to the In order to protect this discov- is one that has not been seen end of the Ice Age, about 10,000 ery and preserve it for future study, before in the state. ” years ago.Rolled birch bark torches a massive steel gate was erected In addition to images of birds, and part of the sole of a leather moc- across the cave’s entrance with humans, deer, and geometric shapes, casin were found on the cave floor, the help of the American Cave the seven panels in Tainter Cave the moccasin fragment dating to 500 Conservation Association. contain depictions of recognizable years ago. This is the first time these —Tamara Stewart

american archaeology 7 in the An Unlikely NEWS Preservation The Arizona Department of Transportation preserves a Hohokam village.

ne of the Southwest’s newest and the firm’s president, William archaeological preserves was Doelle, pushed for the preserve. O recently established by the Doelle says that he just “kept Arizona Department of Transporta- haranguing” ADOT to protect the tion (ADOT). This project, the first site. Desert Archaeology determined of its kind in Arizona, will protect a the road construction wouldn’t affect portion of the Julian Wash site, an most of the site. It would have cost ancient Hohokam village located the state between $3 and $4 million just south of Tucson. to excavate the entire site, but it The preserve resulted from a would cost only about $1 million project to reconstruct the interchange to excavate the affected sections. between highways I-10 and I-19. “There was an opportunity Before construction began, ADOT, to preserve, and preservation in in accordance with national laws, place is the preferred alternative,” conducted an archaeological survey Doelle observes. that identified a site on the property. While the preserve is a cost- “But in this case, when we effective way for ADOT to manage looked at the area that would be im- this property, Rosenberg says that pacted by the construction, we real- the Julian Wash preserve will be the HEISEY ized that if we did a full excavation exception and not the rule. She adds the cost would have been exorbitant,” that ADOT is not in a position to ADRIEL says Bettina Rosenberg, ADOT’s An aerial view of the Julian Wash excavation. manage the preserve over the long historic preservation coordinator. Seventy-two prehistoric structures and term, and it hopes to sell the land ADOT had contracted with possible structures were excavated in the to an organization that is. Desert Archaeology, Inc. to conduct ADOT right of way. —Martha Mulvany any necessary archaeological work,

TE Remains of Two Settlers Uncovered at the Fort St. Louis Site Archaeologists excavating at Fort St. Louis, the site of Texas’s first European settlement, recently discovered the 300-year- old remains of two people believed to be settlers. The fort was established by the French explorer La Salle near Victoria in 1685 (see “La Salle, La Belle, and the Lone Star State,” American Archaeology,Fall 2000). Facing a tight deadline and an even tighter budget, the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) team of archaeologists has been working at the privately UPDA owned site since October 1999, hoping to uncover the remains of some of the fort’s French colonists. Based on Spanish documents and the jumbled nature of the remains, Jim Bruseth, director of THC’s archaeology division, believes the two individuals may have been killed by the Karankawa Indians during a Christmas Eve attack and later found and hastily buried by the Spanish when they arrived at the fort in the late 1600s. The excavators have also confirmed the presence of an elaborate 16-pointed, star-shaped presidio that was built by the Spanish on top of the site. N E W S “This site is certainly one of the most important in the state,”says Bruseth, “and now that we’ve found the actual remains of two of the settlers, a whole new area of research has opened up to us.” Analysis of the remains combined with information gleaned from historic records will help researchers determine the sex and age of the individuals, their general health, the quality of their diet, the causes of their deaths, and possibly even their identities. Once the analysis is completed, the remains will be reburied on public land in downtown Victoria. Artifacts recovered from the site and from La Salle’s ship are on display at the state’s public archaeology lab in Victoria. —Tamara Stewart

8 spring • 2001 Massive 13th-Century in the Migrations from Mesa Verde Reexamined NEWS Recent research at southern New Mexico sites may indicate settlement by prehistoric migrants.

hen the Anasazi left the Four Corners region of the W American Southwest in the late 1200s, did they migrate as far as southern New Mexico? Archaeologist Stephen Lekson and his colleagues have been con- ducting research at several settlements in southern New Mexico, which they point to as possible destinations for large groups of the former Mesa Verdeans.

BOULDER/MUSEUM Lekson, curator for the Univer-

AT sity of Colorado Museum of Natural History, and archaeologist Karl Laum-

COLORADO bach, of Human Systems Research, OF directed a mapping project and preliminary excavations at Pinnacle Ruin

UNIVERSITY near Tr uth or Consequences last summer. Two other southern New Mexico settlements, Gallinas Springs and Steve Lekson excavates a room at Pinnacle Ruin. Roadmap Ruin, have also been the focus of their research. Their work is “But Pueblo traditions suggest pottery, multi-storied roomblocks part of the ongoing Cañada Alamosa that migrations were longer, more enclosing plazas, T-shaped doorways, research project, a collaboration complicated, and more convoluted,” kivas, and other features, these between two New Mexico nonprofit Lekson says. “Population in the far-south post–Mesa Verde sites stick organizations, Cañada Alamosa Santa Fe region increased in the out like proverbial sore thumbs,” Institute and Human Systems 14th century, but the increase is far Lekson says, referring to the resem- Research, that conduct anthro- less than the numbers which left blances to Mesa Verde. “Together, pological and historical research. Mesa Verde and the Four Corners in these three sites total more than Researchers have long thought the late 13th century.” 800 rooms—far fewer than would that the estimated tens of thousands Despite researchers’ beliefs, it is accommodate all of the people who of Anasazi who populated the Four difficult to discern the presence of left the Four Corners region, but Corners region of Arizona, the Anasazi among the puebloan still the largest definable post–Mesa Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah peoples archaeologically, because Verde community outside of the until A.D. 1300 were prompted by they had similar traditions. But in old Mesa Verde region.” drought, political conflicts, and pos- southern New Mexico, where 12th- Lekson, Laumbach and Dennis sibly religious reasons to gradually and 13th-century traditions were O’Toole, of Cañada Alamosa migrate south, where they joined the very different from those of the Institute, plan to continue working pueblos that now exist in Arizona Anasazi, Lekson believes there are in southern New Mexico. and along the Rio Grande in clear signs of migration. —Tamara Stewart northern and central New Mexico. “With their black-on-white

american archaeology 9 in the Earliest Direct Evidence for Root Crop Cultivation NEWS Found at Panama Site Find supports pre-6,000-to-7,000-year-old transition from foraging to food production in the lowland tropics.

esearchers working at A microscopic view of Aguadulce Shelter on the a manioc starch grain R Pacific coastal plain of Central that was recovered Panama recently found starch grains from a grinding stone. in sediments dating between 6,000 to 7,000 years old. The discovery is important crop in the significant because archaeologists have Americas,” he adds. long been aware of the importance Ranere and of manioc and other root crops to the Patricia Hansell, also diet of ancient Americans, and some of Temple University, have suspected the tropical forests of along with Dolores Central and South America as a likely Piperno and Irene place of their original domestication. Holst of the Smith- UNIVERSITY But evidence for the timing and sonian Tropical source of these early domesticates is Research Institute, HOLST/TEMPLE very hard to come by. recently published the I. This find confirms what some results of their 1973 and 1997 excava- originally domesticated in Brazil, researchers have long asserted and tions at the site in the journal Nature. where its closest living wild relative is others denied—that the domestica- In addition to manioc, the found, and maize in Mexico. The tion and dispersal of crops in the researchers identified the remains of two crops were likely domesticated tropics of Central and South America yams, arrowroot, and maize starch on considerably earlier than 7,000 happened quite early, says Anthony surfaces of ancient grinding stones, years ago, as it would have taken Ranere of Temple University. indicating that early horticultural an unknown period of time for “The recovery of manioc starch systems in this area included mixtures domestication practices to travel is particularly significant, since it of root and seed crops. Researchers from these countries to Panama. represents the earliest record of this are fairly certain that manioc was —Tamara Stewart Recently Discovered South Carolina Petroglyphs May Be Thousands of Years Old On a remote mountain crest in the Jocassee Gorges preserve in northern South Carolina, local naturalist Dennis Chastain and archaeologist Tom Charles recently discovered hundreds of rock carvings. The deeply carved images, which consist primarily of simple circles of varying dimensions as well as a few triangles and squares, are very different from the several hundred other images that have been found at lower elevations across the region. This suggests that the recently discovered carvings may have been made by earlier people than those responsible for the other rock art. The extent of the carvings’ erosion and their location high up on isolated Pinnacle Mountain bolster this speculation. “The later Woodland and Mississippian cultures that were prolific in the region were predominantly situated on the lower landforms, but it is not uncommon to find Archaic period (8000 B.C.–2000 B.C.) artifacts and sites high up in the mountains,” says Charles, who works with the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology in Columbia. The Pinnacle Mountain carvings are located in the 33,000-acre tract recently purchased by the state; consequently,the site will be protected and may even be included as a stop along the planned 400-mile Palmetto Trail that will run north from Oconee State Park. —Tamara Stewart

10 spring • 2001 LEGENDS OF ARCHAEOLOGY Saving the Serpent

The remarkable Frederick W. Putnam dedicated himself to excavating and preserving Serpent Mound.

BY BRADLEY T. LEPPER

In September of 1883, Frederick Ward Putnam, curator of Harvard’s Peabody Museum, had his first opportunity to visit the storied mounds of Ohio. Accompanied by four fellow archaeologists, the team traveled by train to Hillsboro, where they hired a large mule wagon and set out over the rolling hills of southern Ohio. They arrived at the foot of a peninsula of jagged bedrock thrown up by some still unknown convulsion of the earth. They climbed down from the wagon and scrambled up the steep, rocky slope to find what is arguably the most remarkable of the thousands of Ohio’s ancient mounds: the great Serpent. As Putnam recalled the event years later: “The most singular sensation of awe and ad- miration overwhelmed me at this sudden realization of my long cherished ambition, for here before me was the mysterious work of an unknown people, whose seemingly most sacred place we

INSTITUTION had invaded.” As the sun set on the gigantic coils of this monumental serpent, its mystery and grandeur SMITHSONIAN possessed Putnam. He then and there dedicated

american archaeology 11 UNIVERSITY H A R V A R D M U S E U M P E A B O D Y

himself to solving the puzzle of its origin and purpose: A well-dressed Putnam at Foster's Earthwork, a structure made of clay and “The unknown must become known!” rocks in southern Ohio. Putnam was an exceptional man. Many scholars considered him to be the father of American archaeology. Such designations, which have gone out of fashion, often engen- sometimes criticized for making no substantive advances in der unresolvable debate about who really deserves the hon- archaeological theory, he did publish more than 400 articles orific. However, the historian Terry Barnhart recently ob- in scientific journals and popular magazines. Though he served that Putnam’s achievements “defined the emergence was accused of being theoretically naive, he advocated care- of American anthropology as an organized scientific disci- ful and complete recovery of artifacts as well as what we pline” and that his presence “is found in virtually all aspects now call “ecofacts,” such as “seeds, nuts, corn-cobs, and of academic and museum anthropology in the United bones of animals, and one and all shall show their associa- States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.” tion and tell their story as a whole.” Putnam was a prodigy. He became a curator of or- Moreover, while his contemporaries excavated mounds nithology at the Essex Institute in Salem, Massachusetts, at for the rich troves of exotic grave goods, Putnam also the age of 17. After working at various museums between searched the ground around the mounds for the humbler 1856 and 1873, he became the curator of the Peabody evidence of habitation, believing that no view of ancient Museum in 1875. He served in this capacity until 1909 cultures could be complete without reference to all these when, at the age of 70, he accepted the position of hon- data. This approach enabled Putnam to discern, more orary curator. He was appointed Peabody Professor of clearly than anyone else, that “the ancient Americans were American Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard in 1887. not the homogenous people generally supposed.” Putnam also served as the director of the anthropological Putnam returned to the Serpent Mound in 1885 and section of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in was horrified to see that “its destruction was inevitable un- Chicago. The collections Putnam assembled for this ex- less immediate measures were taken for its preservation.” hibit became the nucleus of Chicago’s Field Museum of Alice Fletcher, a close friend and colleague, discussed the Natural History. He was also, at various times, the curator threat to this ancient monument with “a few Boston of anthropology at the American Museum of Natural His- ladies.” These women, aided by the noted historian Francis tory and professor of anthropology and director of the an- Parkman, raised funds sufficient to purchase the site, con- thropological museum at the University of California. duct excavations, restore the mound to its former glory, Although Putnam never wrote a major book and is and provide the basic amenities for a public park, making

12 spring • 2001 Serpent Mound the first privately funded archaeological preserve in the nation. In recognition of this action, and to en- courage similar efforts, Ohio’s legislature passed an act exempting from taxation all lands containing prehistoric earthworks that were purchased for preservation. The act also made it a crime to vandalize such archaeological parks. This was the first legislative act in the country for the preservation of archaeological sites and Putnam was overjoyed. He regarded the preservation of Serpent Mound as the most important achievement of his career. In a letter to his wife dated May 30, 1887, he wrote: “It is a splendid thing darling—this preservation of this wonderful old monument and I feel it to be the grandest act of my life that I have been instrumental in bringing it about. I am so elated over it.” Putnam meticulously excavated portions of S

DAVI Serpent Mound and other sites in the region.

A N D Observing him working at a mound across the valley from the Serpent, an anonymous partici- S Q U I E R pant in these excavations described Putnam as “a marvel of thoroughness.” She noted that “every trace of human occupation, or remains, which they found was carefully examined, labeled, and packed by the unwearied professor, who stood, note book in hand and umbrella over his head, A diagram of Serpent Mound by Squier and Davis. like patience on a monument carefully watching the work going on around him and ... making a note of it all.” Putnam’s careful investigations in the vicinity of Ser- these fragments of burned wood indicated that the Fort pent Mound revealed a complicated record of successive oc- Ancient villagers were the likely builders. cupations from burial mounds built by the Adena culture After completing his systematic examination of the site, (circa 800 B.C.–A.D. 100) to an extensive village of the Putnam lovingly restored the Serpent to his best approxi- much later Fort Ancient culture (circa A.D. 1000–1550). mation of its original condition. During the restoration of This village consisted of “ash beds, the many implements in the mound, the anonymous author of an unpublished man- various stages of manufacture, the many thousand chips of uscript titled “Our Camp Life at the Serpent Mound, July flint ...and the many potsherds and other objects scattered and August 1889,” noted that “Prof. Putnam would not throughout the dark soil.” trust the work of repair to any one but himself and he The Serpent itself contained no artifacts or burials. It worked from early morning till dusk for many long days, was simply a grand earthen sculpture built from stones trowel in hand, tracing the outline of the embankment. ” and clay. With no artifacts for comparison, neither Put- Thanks to Putnam, Serpent Mound remains an im- nam nor subsequent archaeologists had any way to deter- pressive testimonial to a rich and vibrant culture. In Put- mine which culture—the Adena, the Fort Ancient, or nam’s words, “the old shrine ...is again held sacred; not for some other group not represented in the remains uncov- ancient and awful rites, but for the study of future genera- ered by Putnam’s crews—crafted this serpentine geoglyph. tions.” Serpent Mound is now owned and operated by the Traditionally, most archaeologists have regarded the Ser- Ohio Historical Society. At Putnam’s behest, the Peabody pent as contemporary with the Adena burial mounds. Museum transferred the property to the care of this organi- However, in 1991, a team of archaeologists returned to zation in 1900. the Serpent to reopen one of Putnam’s trenches and recover samples. The team found bits of charcoal from in- BRADLEY T. LEPPER is a curator of archaeology with the Ohio tact portions of the mound and radiocarbon dating of Historical Society.

american archaeology 13 14 Archaeolo block wo rk

to at proceed the gists J ames excav year-round. F arnsle ate deeply y site. buried The block Early is Archaic cov ered occupations by a larg e por in a table 8,500-square-foot tent that allo we d spring • 2001

CREDI T Hitting an Archaeological T CREDI

JackpoCaesars’s plan to t build an elaborate casino in Indiana has resulted in an elaborate archaeological project. Having invested years of work, archaeologists have already received a huge payoff, and there’s more to come.

BY MARIA BRADEN PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN FITZGERALD

long the Ohio River in southern Indiana, amid the simple farm- houses and cabins, is a suggestion of ancient Rome. More than 2,000 years after Caesar, in a show of military force, crossed the Rubicon, Caesars, the gambling establishment, has crossed the A Ohio, extending its empire to this unlikely place. And, as it turns out, what’s good for gambling is great for archaeology. As a 200,000- square-foot white marble pavilion crowned with Roman urns and a statue of Julius Caesar is being constructed above ground, a wealth of artifacts from older cultures has been discovered below. The archaeologists who surveyed the area where the pavilion is being built figured the initial assessment might take three weeks. But when artifacts started popping out of the ground during preliminary trenching, they realized they were onto something big.

american archaeology 15 (Above) The Caesars pavilion now covers stratified prehistoric occupations, some of which were buried nearly 10 feet below the surface.

(Left) Construction of a 500-room hotel proceeds as archaeologists continue work at the James Farnsley site.

At one site, archaeologists unearthed a 10,000-plus- year-old workshop where tools were made that may have been one of Indiana’s first factories. They also found an Early Archaic dump loaded with stone debris and bits of charcoal. A huge number of artifacts were also found, along with ancient hearths and fire pits. These findings have led archaeologists to conclude that Native Americans came back to this place along the river year after year, generation after generation, for more than 9,000 years. “There’s really nothing like this,” says Stafford. “It was intensely occupied.” Archaeologists had a rare opportunity to excavate “We knew then there was lots of work ahead,” says undisturbed areas and to recover layer upon layer of arti- Russ Stafford, an Indiana State University anthropology facts in their original context, which presented clear evi- professor who coordinated the excavation, which comprised dence of successive occupations. Their oldest discoveries, four different sites. which include a hearth and several tools, date back more Indeed, three years were spent on preliminary evalua- than 11,000 years. tion and site testing, then another three years were devoted “There are not many places you can go in the eastern to an intensive, year-round excavation. This effort, known United States where you can get a sequence like that,” as the Caesars Archaeological Project, has been called one Stafford says. of the most significant archaeological endeavors in the Midwest. The excavation phase was completed last fall and A Challenging Excavation now archaeologists hope to spend four to five more years in These discoveries came to light because the U.S. Army the lab, analyzing artifacts and data. Corps of Engineers required a preliminary archaeological “You look at Indiana and obviously you don’t see assessment as part of the permitting process for riverboat pyramids or Mesoamerican city-states and step pyramids,” docking facilities on the Ohio. The dock was the first phase says state archaeologist Rick Jones, “but look under the of what was to become Caesars Indiana, a 234-acre gam- ground and you’ll see…a lot of these things are unique in bling and entertainment complex near Louisville, Kentucky. the world.” When archaeologists arrived in 1995, the fertile

16 spring • 2001 Project director Russ Stafford looks on as a track hoe removes overburden from the lower Early Archaic occupations, some of which were buried more than 16 feet below the surface. floodplain looked much the way it probably did hundreds of years ago, bordered by the broad river on one side and rocky bluffs covered with hickory and oak trees on the other. Most of the land was unde- veloped and in pasture. In recent years the land was used to graze horses; before that it was farmed. It’s not unusual for farmers on the floodplain to plow up occasional artifacts, but when the archaeologists dug more than 100 trenches at the site of the pro- posed docking facility and elsewhere on the property, they were stunned by the sheer quantity of what turned up. Needing a crew large enough to handle the work, Stafford posted job openings on the Inter- net and hired more than 80 archaeologists from all over the country. After test excavations of two-by-two- meter blocks were conducted, the four sites, totaling about 44 acres, were declared eligi- ble for the National Register of Historic Places. Major excavation began in 1998. The casino’s developers were champing at the bit to move ahead with their project, creating a sense of urgency. Staying just ahead of the bulldozers, the archaeologists worked year-round, missing only one or two weeks in three years. Huge white vinyl tents, almost large enough to cover a foot- ball field, were used to shelter workers and protect the site. They were leased at a monthly cost of about $15,000 each. But archaeologists still had to contend with Mother Nature. There were tense moments during severe and melted snow. In 1999, the Ohio rose over its banks and thunderstorms when strong winds buffeted the tents and flooded one of the excavations. Equipment floated away. lightning crackled overhead. Mosquitoes and flies swarmed Union problems, OSHA inspections, and govern- the steamy banks of the Ohio during Indiana’s hot, humid ment regulations caused administrative headaches and summers. Winters were brutal; archaeologists and field shut down the project more than once. technicians bundled up and huddled around propane “Just about anything that could have happened did,” heaters, and they layered the ground with insulation to says Stafford. keep it from freezing solid. As quickly as the archaeologists completed excava- “We took some lessons from firefighters,” says Staf- tions on each of the sites, the construction workers moved ford, “and developed a system to drain pumps and hoses in, backfilled, paved, and began building portions of the each day to prevent freeze-ups.” casino complex. At times, only a few yards and a hastily Things weren’t much easier in early spring, when the erected fence separated the archaeologists from the con- ground turned muddy and the river swelled due to rains struction workers. american archaeology 17 SPARKES K A T H L E E N

(Above) The Caesars Archaeological Project consists of four sites. Each site has several different occupations at different depths, as shown above.

(Left) An archaeologist lays out solid soil cores extracted with a hydraulic probe. The soil will be examined in the laboratory to help determine the geological context of the buried Early Archaic occupations.

An Archaeological Layer Cake Usually, the older the culture, the less information is available because evidence of one culture or time period gets mixed up with remains from subsequent cultures. Over the course of thousands of years there is plenty of “additional activity to mess it up,” says Richard Jefferies, a specialist in the Archaic period of the Ohio River Val- ley and chairman of the Anthropology Department at the University of Kentucky. But this place is more like a layer cake than a stew, so archaeologists are able to distinguish among different occupations and their time periods. Jefferies explains that hunter-gatherers camped on the Ohio River bottomland, which was periodically flooded. The river deposited soil and sediment over the remains of their camps, a cyclical occurrence that continued for generations. These alluvial deposits—like icing on a layer cake—buffered different occupations, such as the Thebes and Kirk and Early and Middle Woodland people, from each other, preserving the integrity of all. Archaeologists excavated vast areas during the Caesars project—one area covered more than 43,000 square feet, another 8,700—and they recovered substantial amounts of material in context along with charcoal to date it.

18 spring • 2001 Various stone points and a drill recovered from the Kirk occupation at the James Farnsley site.

“Since we opened up large areas, we can look at com- tions about the peoples of the Archaic period, who are munity patterns—how [a particular] occupation was or- generally thought to have been nomadic. How does one ac- ganized compared to earlier and later [occupations],” count for all the material left at the site if people were mov- Stafford says. “Some excavations cover as much land, but ing around? Why didn’t they take their tools with them? they rarely go so deep. We had the opportunity to do lots Stafford speculates it may have been a place where sev- of excavation in deeply buried areas. That’s the reason eral bands congregated regularly for trade and ceremonies we’ve learned so much.” before moving on, but he adds the evidence has to be thor- At one of the sites, known as James Farnsley, more than oughly studied before these questions can be answered. 15,000 artifacts, including 1,000 points from the Early Ar- Why did these people come back time and again for chaic period, were recovered. A hearth and a couple of thousands of years? For one thing, they knew it was rich in points were found more than 18 feet below the surface. natural resources. “That’s just unheard of,” says Stafford. “This was a “Cultural groups in general are very aware of their en- busy place.” vironment,” says Jones. “If people are making a living and By comparison, a typical Kirk-site excavation might trying to survive, they know the environment pretty well.” yield only a dozen points, and 50 to 100 points would Raw materials such as chert, a flint-like stone used for be plentiful. making tools, were in plentiful supply in the surrounding “We’ve found incredible stuff here,” says JoAnne hills. Because they were near the river, a major transporta- Young, an archaeologist who worked on the project for tion route, prehistoric people would have found it easy to three years. “It’s fun. You find something new every day.” obtain the prized Wyandotte chert, which was easier to fash- Besides tools, points, and flakes, the archaeologists ion into tools, from river bluffs downstream. The river also found fire-cracked rocks, red stains in the soil, and bits of provided abundant food and water for hunter-gatherers. charcoal that indicated fires had been built there thousands Small game and deer lived in the heavily treed hills, and nuts of years ago. The buried charcoal helped them radiocarbon and berries would have been easy to collect. Later, as Native date the Kirk occupation to approximately 7500 B.C. Americans began to practice agriculture, they may have Little is known about the prehistoric peoples who come to the area and stayed because the fertile floodplain roamed the Southeast and Midwest hunting and gathering was a good place to raise crops. food during the early Archaic period, roughly 9,000 to 10,000 years ago. There weren’t many people, and they are Indiana’s First Factory? believed to have lived in small groups. It is difficult to find One of the excavation’s more remarkable discoveries has their sites, many of which are buried in river floodplains. been dubbed the Thebes workshop. Dating back to the One of the excavation’s most puzzling and exciting discov- Early Archaic period, it may have been one of Indiana’s eries was a prehistoric dump. The dump and the quantity first factories, a place where people roughed out tools of Kirk tools and points found there raise important ques- from different kinds of chert. Field workers found flakes american archaeology 19 Field technicians Greg Marsh and JoAnne Young excavate in the lower Early Archaic zone at the James Farnsley site.

with multiple scars, blocks of chert, and roughed-out Caesars Indiana project director Dennis Beaudrie, “but tools, but no scrapers, adzes, or other finished tools—sug- they’re doing their job.” gesting that hunters took the rough tools and refined Developers have talked of setting up a small museum them later at different places as they needed them. in the pavilion that would depict the excavation, or of “It’s sort of a Swiss Army knife idea,” says Steve Mocas, putting up a commemorative plaque in the hotel. An- supervisor of the Thebes workshop excavation and a mem- other five sites on Caesars’s property totaling about 30 ber of the Indiana State University team. “[The rough tool] acres were identified during archaeologists’ preliminary can be made into anything you want it to be.” trenching. These sites will be preserved and protected. Thebes people, like the Kirk people of roughly the They were never excavated because Caesars did not plan same era, are thought to have been wide ranging nomads, to build on them. and their stone tools have been plowed up by farmers in The excavation done, stacks of Rubbermaid cartons the Midwest before. But this is the first Thebes “work- containing individually bagged and precisely labeled arti- shop” to have been excavated and only the fourth Thebes facts have been moved to Indiana State University, along site of any kind to have been excavated in the Midwest. with more than 50 thick loose-leaf notebooks of field notes. “It’s incomparable,” Mocas says. Artifacts in hand, the archaeologists will begin digging for the story, hoping the laboratory analysis will answer the Out of the Trenches, many questions raised by their discoveries. Awaiting study Into the Lab are more than 1,000 points in colors ranging from red to As the gambling resort nears completion, there’s little ev- white and gray to glossy black, as well as tools once used for idence of the extensive archaeological work. The seven- cutting, piercing, scraping, and drilling. deck riverboat casino is in operation, and the large pavil- “The payoff will be the analysis and published reports,” ion looms on the site where Woodland period dwellings Stafford says. “With this,” he adds, holding out his hands to were discovered. Despite having to tolerate lengthy delays, indicate the abundance of artifacts and field notes, “we reconfigure the project layout, pay more than $15 million should be able to put together a pretty good story.” for the archaeological excavation and subsequent lab work, and abide by environmental restrictions, the devel- MARIA BRADEN is a journalism professor at the University of Kentucky. opers, for the most part, maintained a cordial relationship Her article “Trafficking in Treasures” appeared in the Winter 1999- with the archaeologists. 2000 issue of American Archaeology. “They might be costing me a lot of money,” says

20 spring • 2001 J E R R Y J ACKA american ar chaeology

photog ver Man Photog years work Enter photog See y y the photog and of American ar r r r aphs aphers aphy chaeological Editor’ experience insights enic. is isn’ s share an Ar Corner t But chaeolog easy of ar taking t, four even their sites .W and on e’ photog so, ar and re pag y’ memor on s tistr featuring taking Photo these e ar 3 r y aphers tifacts able for with pag Contest. memor details. pictures. the you. es are who our able ha ve 21 (Above left) The west wall of the great ballcourt at Chichén Itzá, Mexico. (Above right) A stela depicting 18 Rabbit, 13th ruler of Copán, Honduras. (Facing page) Temple of the Cross at Palenque, Mexico.

ELDON LEITER When I go out to shoot I usually carry several cameras, in case something goes wrong with one of them. Most of my photos have been taken with Nikon equipment, mainly the Nikon F3. My newest camera is a Nikon N90-S, and my favorite lens is an AF Nikon 24-120 mm zoom. I prefer as slow a film as possible because I like to enlarge my photos. When shooting with slow film, I generally use a tripod. I usually shoot slides or transparencies. My favorite daylight film is Fuji 100. When shooting in museums, I mainly use Kodak APY 64T film and tungsten light. Light is very important for good photography. The raked light of the morning and late afternoon can form shadows that give a picture depth. The late afternoon sun also provides a golden light. The harsh sunlight of midday, on the other hand, can give photos a washed out look. When necessary, I use warming filters, which help create the effect of JOINER the late afternoon sun. J E F F

Eldon Leiter’s work reflects his strong interest in archaeology in general and the Maya in particular. During the last 23 years, he has photographed Maya sites in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. His work has appeared in numerous publications and exhibits.

22 spring • 2001 american archaeology 23 24 spring • 2001 (Above) Anasazi granaries at Nankoweap Canyon, on the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. (Bottom left) White House site at Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona.

JERRY JACKA When photographing structures such as cliff dwellings and pueblos, I prefer early or late light, which is warmer and provides more contrast. For that reason, I also prefer shooting in late fall and winter, when the sun is lower in the southern horizon. I usually use a four-by-five format camera for studio shots, landscapes, and photos of ruins. I use JACKA

a Hasselblad (2¼ x 2¼) and Nikon (35 mm) J E R R Y equipment for shooting archaeological excavations. A 35 mm camera is adequate for most situations. Using manual rather than automatic focus gives the photographer more control. A zoom lens ranging from wide angle to telephoto, such as a 24–120 mm, is very useful. Though a zoom lens offers great variety, its focus tends to be less sharp than that of a fixed lens. All of my photography is done on slide or transparency film. Because of its sharpness and high saturation, I use Fugi-Velvia for landscapes, site photos, and situations requiring high contrast and intense color. When shooting artifacts, I use Ektachrome E100S, an excellent film that renders true, rather than super-saturated, colors.

Jerry Jacka has 47 years of experience as a photographer, including shooting many archaeological sites and artifacts. Over 2,000 of his photographs have appeared in Arizona Highways. His photographs have also appeared in numerous other magazines and books. An exhibition of his work is on display at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, through March 11. It will also be on display at the Museum of Northern Arizona June 16–October 5. american archaeology 25 DAVID S. WHITLEY My advice to rock art photographers is to have lots of lens options available. One or more good zoom lenses will give you the versatility you need. Focal lengths ranging from 28 mm to about 150 mm are essential for rock art photography; the lenses I commonly use run from 22 to 200 mm. The biggest difficulty in rock art photography is lighting. Plan your shots around the changing light conditions, and plan ahead. Early morning or late afternoon light is often best for petroglyphs. A good flash attachment and hot-shoe flash extension cord are also essential, especially in caves and rock shelters. Your best flash shots will result if you position your flash about eight to ten feet left of the camera, aimed at the center of your image. This brings out the texture of the rock surface and gives depth to an image. Take lots of pictures and try a variety of settings and compositions. There is no single film that suits all rock art sites and conditions. Base your choice of film on the predominant colors of the rock art as well as your own color preferences. I prefer Fuji, which has soft colors, for slides. I use Kodak for most of my color prints, especially of pictographs, because it highlights reds, the predominant pictograph color.

(Above) Petroglyphs, Red Canyon, Dave Whitley is an archaeologist who Owens Valley, California specializes in rock art research. His photos have appeared in numerous publications, such as Discover Magazine, Scientific American, and American Archaeology (Vol. 1, No. 3, Fall 1997). His most recent books are The Art of the Shaman: Rock

WHITLEY Art of California (University of Utah Press, 2000), and the Handbook of Rock Art

C A R M E N Research (AltaMira Press, 2000).

26 spring • 2001 (Above left) Bighorn sheep petroglyph, Little Petroglyph Canyon, Coso Range, California. (Above right) Head of Sinbad pictographs, Utah.

(Below) Grapevine Canyon petroglyph site, Laughlin, Nevada.

american archaeology 27 STEVEN WALL When shooting archaeological subjects, it’s important to make a connection with the past, which enables you to interpret these subjects in your photography. Develop your own style. Style and content are more important than technique. Pay atten- tion to the little details: the movement of people, the handling of the bones or artifacts,

the shadows and highlights on ruins. DEMERITT Composition is important. A photograph

must have a central focus that draws the eye. If C A R O L Y N a photo has more than one subject, each must be properly composed. It’s essential to compose the foreground properly. If you don’t, your background, however good it may be, won’t matter. Use a camera you like. The type makes little difference. Ninety percent of my work is done with a 28 mm lens, which allows me to get close to my subject. I don’t use filters. I generally use two films: Kodacrome 64 for color photography and Kodak TriX 400 for black and white. TriX has a grainy quality that can be used to good effect. (Top) A delegation of Iroquois chiefs and When shooting at dusk, for example, it can give a mystical quality their helpers rebury the bones of early Native to your photos. Americans unearthed by looters in the 1980s on the Slack Farm in western Kentucky. Steven Wall has worked as a professional photographer for more than 30 years. His photographs have appeared in National Geographic, Smithsonian, Time, American (Above) An effigy head pipe estimated to be Archaeology, and numerous other magazines and newspapers. His work has been 500 years old. displayed in a number of museums, and he has also photographed and authored, or coauthored, six books.

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people at where a died, later corner F disco of M W heat.” to early or a burial were sits friends one ’r site date mounds digging e estern onacans different 15 spring and examine .” v several no T on boundaries, of their ed vered. the as lets ribal Asso of of one lived, A Eu or anything; buried the w firmly the . d, which mounds, stones. effort; assumed D “ because t t the say r 20 it he world . people he village edg trench opean of bones • ’s occa 1670 years were 2001 The

col and e feet fe site v vil- the the the the of il- to in w it e - - - -

S T E V E N W ALL ★

John Smith’s 1608 map of the Jamestown area. The location of Monasukapanough is indicated by the star.

A portrait of Thomas Jefferson, painted by Gilbert Stuart, in 1805. 1 6 0 8

C I R C A Over time, curiosity led to more systematic explorations S M I T H , of the mounds, including

J O H N one near Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in the Rivanna

NY River valley. In 1784, Jefferson conducted a systematic excavation of To Protect R E S O U R C E , the mound that today is and Preserve known to virtually every The Monasukapanough village site is on land owned by G A L L E R Y , student of American developer Charles Hurt, who offered 20 acres of the NSTITUTION/ART I archaeology. In Notes on the property on a long-term, no-payment lease to the Soccer P O R T R A I T State of Virginia, he wrote: Organization of Charlottesville and Albemarle (SOCA) for “I proceeded then to make a a new soccer complex. The Archaeological Conservancy N A T I O N A L SMITHSONIANperpendicular cut through the body is working closely with SOCA, Hurt, Hantman, and the of the barrow, that I might examine its internal structure. Monacan Indian Tribe to protect part of the field as a This passed three feet from its center, was opened to the permanent archaeological preserve. The rest of the former surface of the earth, and was wide enough for a property will be used for athletic facilities and soccer man to walk through and examine its sides.” fields, whose construction Hurt will help fund. Jefferson’s work at the large mound at Monasuka- “The county knew this was the likely location of a panough was the first scientific excavation in the history significant archaeological site,” Hantman says, “so we of North America, making him the father of American ar- had discussions and they flagged the county planners, chaeology. He used two excavation strategies: trenching, but there are no zoning ordinances for private land—none which let him see the mound’s internal structure, and of the federal laws kick in.” stratigraphy. Hantman says this technique put Jefferson As it turned out, Albemarle County realized that a soccer about 100 years ahead of his time. facility, however well-intentioned, could destroy an impor- According to Hantman, Jefferson, unlike many 20th- tant archaeological site. Hantman and the Monacan Tribal century archaeologists, saw the Monasukapanough mound Council knew there was no money to pay for a big research in a regional archaeological perspective, described the operation, so Hantman and his students conducted a field mounds as community burial places, and knew that bodies school on the site and contributed their time, working with were added to the mounds over a long time. Jefferson also SOCA officials in a spirit of cooperation. Hantman and accurately described other mounds of different sizes and his students identified the village boundaries and SOCA structures in central Virginia. established the area along the Rivanna River as an arch- Jefferson’s writings on his excavation strategy, hypo- aeological preserve. thesis, observations, and conclusions were “extraordinary “What has been remarkable is SOCA’s spirit and atti- for his time,” according to Hantman. Jefferson’s work tude,”says Hantman. “The county required them to take serves as a comparative base for contemporary excavations archaeology into account, but from day one SOCA wanted to and interpretations of that period. do the right thing.” In his book, Jefferson mentioned that the mound was

american archaeology 31 (Left) Jeffrey Hantman shows artifacts to elementary school students who visited the site through a summer enrichment program sponsored by the University of Virginia. AULTMAN J E N N I F E R (Above) These tiny Late Woodland projectile points (shown actual size) helped researchers establish the date of the site.

“My working hypothesis for many years has been that to prove your existence by colonial law you had to enter into a treaty with or trade with the colonists, and the Monacans didn’t need to. But I never had a site [from that period] I could use to evaluate it.” In 1607, the Monacans and the Powhatans were enemies, Hantman explains. For the Powhatans, copper was of great value and may have been a source of power and authority. Their only means of obtaining copper was to have it transported through Monancan territory. Chief Powhatan faced the dilemma of becoming dependent on an enemy who may have been growing increasingly hostile, Hantman says. Then the colonists arrived, and among the things John Smith brought was copper. Powhatan eagerly accepted cop-

per in trade for corn, quickly established an alliance with the SILER colonists, and was no longer dependent on the Monacans. Hantman thinks copper is the reason the Smith party J E A N N E quickly developed good relations with the Powhatans. across the river from an Indian town—probably Monasu- The colonists’ survival depended on the good will of the kapanough. Based on that account, on excavations con- natives; Jamestown was established because the Powhatans ducted by the Smithsonian in 1911 and 1930, and on find- allowed it. ings and radiocarbon dating at the site, Hantman believes “My sense is that the Powhatans initially chose to trade he’s working in the portion of the village located directly with the colonists and the Monacans in the Jamestown re- across the Rivanna from where the mound once stood. gion didn’t,” he says. “It’s an argument from negative evidence; the site is contemporary with Jamestown and most Correcting the people assume that when the European traders arrived, In- Historical Record dians wanted to trade. For the Monacans, at least so far, we According to the historical record, the Monacans were haven’t seen it.” barbaric and too hostile to trade with Captain John Smith and the other settlers at Jamestown. The tribe eventually Obtaining Evidence for fled with other tribes and seemingly disappeared from the Federal Recognition region. Jefferson thought they merged with the Tuscarora In 1989, the State of Virginia officially recognized the Indians and had become part of the Iroquois Confederacy Monacans. The tribe has since applied for federal recog- to the north. But Hantman’s study of the Monacan cul- nition of their Native American status. One requirement ture tells a different story. for federal recognition is that the tribe document a con- “We’ve found evidence of a well-structured, sophisti- tinuous history in a particular region. cated society that lived along the Rivanna River at the “What was missing was the critical Jamestown era,” time Smith was settling the Tidewater region,” Hantman Hantman says. “We didn’t have anything between 1500 says. “What we now know is not at all consistent with and the 1700s except John Smith’s map. There was no ar- the description Smith gave of the Monacans. chaeology, no scientific evidence, no radiocarbon dating.

32 spring • 2001 NC. I N A T I O N , N D I A N I O N A C A N M

Monacan tribal members attend their Homecoming festival in Amherst, diocarbon dated, with artifacts from the 17th century, is Virginia last October. The 27-year-old annual festival is open to the public. absolutely extraordinary,” he says. “It shows us that these are the same people John Smith talked about, and who The common explanation was that the Monacans disap- live in Amherst County today.” peared, but we knew better.” Virginia will celebrate the 400th anniversary of James- The first date confirmation at the village site was from town in 2007. Hantman thinks “it’s important to look be- charcoal found near the river and radiocarbon dated—the yond Jamestown itself, to see how other people reacted to date that came back was 1670. Having also discovered a the European colonists, and help fill” holes in the historical deeper, earlier level of occupation that dates from 1300 to record—the very thing he is doing. 1400, Hantman has documented continuous use of the site from that time through the contact period. CHERYL PELLERIN is a freelance science writer who lives in “To find [the village] site undisturbed, in context, ra- Alexandria, Virginia.

Faces from the Hayes Creek Mound In 1901, antiquarian E. P. Valentine moved the skeletal remains of hundreds of people from a mound on Hayes Creek in Amherst County to Richmond, and displayed them in a museum founded by his family. Nearly 100 years later, based on historical and archaeological evidence linking the Monacans to the remains, they were returned by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources under the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990. In discussions about the remains between the Monacan Tribal Council and archaeologist Jeffrey Hantman, a council member raised the possibility of having facial reconstructions made. No Monacan had seen an image of an ancestor earlier than photographs dating to 1914. Could they see one or more of their ancestors’ faces? Karenne Wood, director of historic research for the Monacan Indian Nation, and historic research coordinator Diane Shields applied to the Virginia Foundation for NC.

I the Humanities for a grant to fund the facial reconstructions. In June 2000, forensic artist Sharon Long of Sparks, Nevada finished clay

N A T I O N , sculpture faces of a Monacan man and woman who lived in west-central Virginia between A.D. 1000 and 1400. Today the reconstructions are displayed in the Monacan N D I A N I Ancestral Museum in Amherst, Virginia, as a tribute to Monacan heritage and cultural continuity. O N A C A N M

american archaeology 33 Pleasure Gardens, Alcohol Enemas, and Chocolate-

Covered Tamales NY R E S O U R C E ,

Whether it was boxing, gambling, D C / A R T A S H I N G T O N or foot-long cigars, ancient Americans W U S E U M , knew how to have a good time. M A R T

by Rob Crisell A M E R I C A N

Last September, the Pre-Columbian Society of Washington, D.C., invited six scholars from across the SMITHSONIAN United States to speak on the much-neglected subject of pleasurable activities in ancient America. Few if any such discussions had ever been held on this subject, which made the symposium almost revolutionary. During the day-long event, the scholars addressed a number of enjoyable distractions that Aztec, Maya, Inca, and North American natives enjoyed, including boxing, ballgames, gardening, enemas, tobacco, cuisine,gambling, and music. We interviewed the participants as well as other scholars to try to reach a better understanding of how people in ancient America enjoyed themselves.

hether it is a prehistoric Passamaquoddy village As a result, the anthropological view of recreation was in eastern Maine or a Maya temple in Quin- ritualized and sacramentalized to such an extent that it W tana Roo, archaeological sites often present a seemed some researchers begrudged the right of any an- paradox for modern-day visitors. In one sense, the dramatic cient people to so much as play a game unless it could be architecture and romantic landscape of a site may over- linked to a shamanistic rite of passage. whelm us with its power. However, even well-informed, The picture has changed dramatically over the past 20 reasonably imaginative visitors often have difficulty shaking years as archaeologists, especially those studying the semi- off the lonely, silent weight of such places. Everyday act- nal Mesoamerican cultures such as the Olmec, Maya, and ivities that must have occupied the past inhabitants— Aztec, have achieved incredible breakthroughs in the in- dancing, playing, eating, singing, laughing—seem alto- terpretation of hieroglyphics and art while simultaneously gether incongruous at these solemn ruins. It is no wonder rediscovering the ethnohistoric records. Researchers began that visitors and archaeologists alike often hypothesize to question the rigid scientism of the New Archaeology, solemn people to populate them. As archaeologist Dorie attempting once again to approach these cultures on more Reents-Budet quipped, referring to the ancient Maya: “For humanistic terms. years we had a picture of priests hanging out in the jungle, As Jeffrey Quilter of Dumbarton Oaks explains, our worshiping time.” efforts to compartmentalize human activity in our own

34 spring • 2001 In this George Caitlin painting from the mid-1800s, Ball Play of the Choctaw—Ball Up, Choctaw men in what is now Oklahoma play a rough-and-tumble, intertribal game of stickball. Numerous kinds of ballgames were popular with American Indians. society are difficult enough. Why would it be any easier symposium will jumpstart further discussions regarding the for us to do so for a past culture? significance of recreation in ancient America. The following “It’s indisputable that in some of these ancient soci- is a sampling of ways in which Native Americans passed the eties, there are things that they did that were fun,” says time in the era before television, Nintendo, and the Internet. Quilter. “Whether or not those activities were wrapped in a mantle of religiosity is important to consider, but fun activities ran the same kind of normal distribution that Gardening they do today. Consider the way people look at the Super The Aztecs were passionate gardeners. The earliest written Bowl today. For some it’s entertainment, for others it’s a accounts mention the attempts of nobles to outdo one an- life and death matter because they’ve got $10,000 riding other in their pleasure parks, where they hybridized on a point spread somewhere.” dahlias and marigolds, and created sophisticated botanical Justin Kerr, of Kerr Associates, echoes this idea with gardens. The parks were the setting of other delights such an example of his own. “On the Day of the Dead in Mex- as waterfalls, bird sanctuaries, hunting preserves, and hot ico, when the family goes out to the graveyard and breaks tubs. The Aztec ruler Montezuma’s favorite royal retreat is out the tortillas and so forth, it’s a ritual activity,” he says. today Chapultepec Park, in Mexico City. “But it also becomes a family picnic. These things go “Aztec garden displays were subject to all sorts of sump- hand in hand.” tuary laws,” explains Pennsylvania State University’s Susan The hope of the conference’s participants is that this Toby Evans. “Rulers could not only confer gardens upon american archaeology 35 1 8 7 9 - 8 0 R E P O R T , A N N U A L ETHNOLOGY, A M E R I C A N O F B U R E A U U . S .

A late 19th-century engraving depicts Sioux men and women gambling structures; versions of this game are using plum stones as dice (right). found in the American Southwest. A few researchers think that gambling was a vital means of exchanging goods you if you were a good scout, they could between separate but related groups of also take them away if you had been dis- people. In DeBoer’s words, there seems loyal. The Aztec king Nezahualcoyotl and to have been a “recondite economy” that his friends used to visit one another’s palaces existed alongside the more visible system and gardens as they were under construction. If of exchange. someone admired someone else’s palace, they would Some scholars still argue that the sa- actually re-create it.” cred aspects of gambling for Native Amer- icans frustrate any efforts to see it as recreation. In DeBoer’s opinion, though, recreation and Gambling religion were no more mutually exclusive for the ancients Gambling may be the most important and least analyzed than they are for us today. pastime of ancient peoples. Gambling on dice games and “Like so many things in native America, when it athletic events was practiced throughout ancient America comes to gambling there are religious versions of the for thousands of years. Gambling appears as a common games and secular versions,” explains DeBoer. motif in the creation myths of numerous tribes. “Evidence suggests that gambling is important to the economy—the wealth and status of a particular group Cuisine may depend on their gambling fortunes,” says Queens European explorers described at length the feasts thrown College’s Warren DeBoer, who studied archaeological and by the various chiefs and rulers of the Aztecs, Incas, and ethnographical reports during his recent examination of tribes of present-day North America. Meals often would the dice game in prehistoric North America. “The include corn tortillas, chocolate-covered tamales (which Mesoamericans have the ballgame, but the literature is were sometimes filled with dog meat), guacamole, breads, rather silent on gaming. It apparently was important to bison steaks, and oyster stew. Native Americans, and it should be important to us and “There’s a lot of evidence that the Maya enjoyed how we interpret them.” feasting and putting on theatrics and comedies, which There are strong indications that furious betting took Bishop Landa, an early Spanish chronicler, describes as place during ballgames and dicing. Patolli game boards ‘humorous and obscene,’” explains Michael Coe of Yale. can be found scratched on the floors of Maya and Aztec And, of course, there was chocolate.

36 spring • 2001 This Maya vase shows a ruler accepting a tribute of chocolate-covered tamales (in foreground) and a frothy pot of hot chocolate (to his left).

“There are many scenes showing that boxing overlapped the ballgame,” says Taube. “People in ballgame costume will be holding these small stone or wooden balls wrapped in a cloth. We usually call these people ballplayers, but they’re not—they’re boxers. The real balls are much larger,

KERR about the size of a human skull. Very often the boxers are shown wearing severed J U S T I N heads, bones hanging off of them. They “There is pretty good circumstantial evidence that it was the were pretty creepy guys.” Olmec who first learned how to produce chocolate,” continues Coe. So did the Mesoamericans ever box for “For the Maya, it was certainly pleasurable for them to drink, and they the fun of it? It’s hard to say for sure. The doctored it up in various ways.” materials that provide researchers with most Like many pastimes in ancient society, drinking chocolate may of their information (pictorial ceramic ves- have been limited to Mesoamerican aristocracy due to to the high cost sels, wall paintings, friezes) depict the activ- of cacao beans. A painting from one Classic Maya vase shows a ruler ities of the elite class, whereas the lower supervising the pouring of chocolate from one vase to another to raise classes were more likely to have engaged in the foam. It’s also likely that ancient Americans imbued chocolate with the activity. However, the current popular- sacred and medicinal qualities. ity of boxing, professional wrestling, and other violent sports leads us to imagine that those ancient boxing matches were enjoy- Boxing able, festive occasions for the royals and hoi While evidence for the Mesoamerican ballgame is abundant and well poloi alike. studied, Karl Taube of the University of California, Riverside, and a handful of other researchers believe that many so-called ballplaying images ac- Maya boxers, wearing elaborate masks and conch tually depict something else entirely—boxing. Taube believes that both shell weapons on their hands, exchange punches. sports are related to ancient water rituals for the Maya, Aztec, and Olmec One boxer is already down for the count, his mask and that boxing might have taken place at the same time as the ballgame. on the ground beside him. KERR J U S T I N

american archaeology 37 In one of a handful of such images from Maya art, a ruler addresses one of his lords while a man behind him smokes a cigar.

“I’m sure people enjoyed the blood sport,” says Taube. “At the same time, the boxing match was a fertility ritual. We think of all this blood as really gory and ugly, but to them it’s really a rep- resentation of life. In fact, today there are mod- KERR ern ceremonies in the state of Guerrero where

guys wearing helmets and jaguar pelts beat the J U S T I N hell out of each other as part of rain rituals.” play with during Easter festivities. They set one end on fire and in- haled and drank in the smoke on the other.” Tobacco Justin Kerr has identified several drawings of men smoking Chocolate lovers may disagree, but the tobacco on Maya vases. Maya expert David Stuart has even read the Maya leaf is probably the most popular export from word for “snuff” on a small flask from a Maya tomb. the Old World. For years archaeologists have Unlike their southern relatives, tribes in what is today North known that the ancient Maya, for example, were America were almost exclusively pipe smokers. Clay, stone, and bone ardent tobacco smokers, smoking obscenely long pipes are ubiquitous in excavations throughout the United States. cigars and more modestly-sized cigarettes made of aromatic tobacco leaves. Other Mesoameri- cans apparently smoked, too. According to an Alcohol early Jesuit historian, after meals, the Aztec lords Native Americans had never tasted distilled alcohol before the ar- “composed themselves to sleep with the smoke rival of Columbus. However, ancient Mesoamericans imbibed fer- of tobacco,” breathing in the smoke through mented drinks, the best known of which is pulque, which was thin tubes of cane. Although native tobacco was made from the sap of maguey, a plant used to make tequila. Sev- known to have been much stronger than today’s eral pre-Columbian cultures used pulque in religious ceremonies, version, it probably wasn’t hallucinogenic. but the stern admonitions against its abuse by Aztec rulers (duly Spanish chronicler Father Bartólome de las recorded by the abstemious Spanish priests) indicate that recre- Casas related the bemused observations of two of ational drinking did take place. According to Fray Bernardino de Columbus’s crew during their first trip ashore in Sahagún, one of the first clergymen in Mexico, drinking pulque Mexico: “The two Christians met many men and women who were carrying glowing coals in their hands, as well as good smelling herbs. They were An engraved Maya vase reveals a supine man receiving an enema, possibly in dried plants, rolled in a large dry leaf. They looked connection with a vision quest. The person administering the enema carries like small muskets made of paper that children large jars, possibly containing pulque, on his or her back. KERR J U S T I N

38 spring • 2001 J U S T I N KERR J U S T I N KERR full american passes anything manner of most likelycandidateforthecontents hol,” ancient Americanpeoplecouldn in thought some any that itmighthavebeenfortifiedwith possibly tering M largely perhaps the meaning drunkar the A r Maya r outside one ated ishable to children toslaveswaslikelydrink emonies, vase vases uler eached dr aya vesselsho vision-quest ex the unken par blast use in “ Kerr musicians Maya explains cess. number sho that The ticipant the a that other an enema palace ov seems of of par of ws stronger the ar a by that by liver he has erlooked. that r enema enemas chaeology shaman. ty though, eason ritual illustrate wo a to K play fermented among is age scene. death the to enemas man identified so 12 err stagg of bags, rd reeling. rites. ws assistantsadminis be wind . that than percent.” d. Kerrbelievesthat for

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52. sing Another instr (far until imbibing ever the Kerr a drinking. 12 the were nobles to Ab supine left). uments drink D body an is many percent y the M “A one ov uring speculates pulque so was has enema one also ’t aya h causes e produce fact gets Classic inebri for in him is royal, Maya Kih,” from pun- been used (and On alco- a cer- had that that the by the It or is ’s e - - - people instruments, been The ov studied als, S “ ROB F Music tales which c possess terpreted these convinced huge completely ourt,” shesays.“Oneofthethingsweseearerepresentationsperformances, ince suchinstrumentstendedtobemadeofgour or manyvisitors,archaeologicalsitessuchas ertones,” Archaeological the CRISELL “What R R “ of enacted pageants What feasting eents-B eents-B run as heroes archaeological an the as w that ethereal the ell phenomenon is the we she r changed eligious udet andothershaveidentifiedseveralkindsofpercussionwind udet for and the events. as and which gamut a ceramics are Conser says. senior palace the lot at feels ancient silence. in least of rulers The are also “ the vancy from r fact editor What eco strongly these rituals sho actually y’ of auditor were one rd . re histor looking and Bu of highly w music

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were farces, ritual other in landscape at of on some guests. moments ex ancient Archaeology is the cept instrument of produced these entertainment r events and e-creations musicians elite of for of ” Hov the M other pots for elaborate in economy that their esoamerica. and images enweep the ds andotherperishablemateri to Dorie are played humorous took the be of appearance and lives elite-sponsored Eastern r circulated with eligious that dramas , Reents-Budet, of place dancers Ti of by the kal, and particular r social esearchers the regional entertainment.” in classic that in ideology the on ancient as M and T gifts would M director royal aya eotihuacan M feasts groups aya who political once aya. art. to during Maya. M vases hav of epic and I’ has aya in- m of e - 39 new acquisition Gateway to the Mid-Atlantic Is the Conservancy’s The Maddox Island site on Maryland’s Eastern Shore may reveal much about the tribes that greeted the first English 200th Site settlers in the New World.

efore the 1600s, American Indians probably thought that village site that may have been occupied long before the region around Chesapeake Bay was the best place to and during Smith’s travels to this region. The Maddox live on Earth. The weather was moderate; resources such Island site is the Conservancy’s second preserve in as beaver, fish, and game were plentiful; farming was pro- Maryland and its first on the Eastern Shore. Located in Bductive; and transportation via the navigable waterways Somerset County, about 100 miles southeast of was easy. Maryland’s Eastern Shore had the added advantage Annapolis, the Maddox site may answer questions of being relatively inaccessible to the myriad enemies and about the Late Woodland and early historic periods in competitors across the bay. Natives living here had just the region. enough contact with tribes to the west to establish a modest Overlooking the placid Chesapeake Bay, Maddox system of trade. Island may be one of the most scenic landscapes in The arrival of the English explorer John Smith to the area North America. The 23-acre site represents roughly in 1608 meant the end of the splendid isolation of the Nanti- half of a historic homestead known since 1750 as the coke and other tribes on the Eastern Shore. Today American Maddox Island Farm. The centerpiece of the site is a schoolchildren learn about the adventures of Smith and the vast shell midden covering approximately half the first settlers at Jamestown. Less well known is the fact that property. During a 1996 survey for the Maryland Smith—along with other English explorers, traders, and sol- Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, archaeol- diers—made early and extensive travels to Maryland’s Eastern ogist Darrin Lowery recovered numerous pottery Shore. On Smith’s famous “Map of Virginia,” he records his sherds, stone tools and points, and shells on the fertile visits to eight large Indian towns, observing that they looked fields at the mouth of the Manokin River. Maddox like “Countrey [sic] Villages in England.” Island is among the most extensive and well-stratified The Conservancy’s most recent preserve contains one sites along the 115-mile-long Eastern Shore. In addition to the prehistoric midden and living area, cultural resources represented at the site include a brick limekiln ruin filled with burnt oyster shell. The kiln is likely related to a group of pil- ings along the shoreline, perhaps the remains of a maritime business venture that went bust in the 19th century.

The view of Maddox Island’s peninsula

from the prehistoric site. Oyster shell L

blankets the beach where a historic WAL

limekiln once operated. B O B

40 spring • 2001 Conservancy Plan of Action

SITE: Maddox Island Site CULTURE & TIME PERIOD: Archaic to Historic (6000 B.C.–A.D. 1900) STATUS: The owners have given the Conservancy 18 months to pay off the mortgage without interest. ACQUISITION: The Conservancy must raise $190,000 to purchase the property and pay for its management. HOW YOU CAN HELP: Send your contributions to The Archaeo- logical Conservancy, Attn: 200th Site, 5301 Central Ave. NE, Suite 402, Albuquerque,NM 87108-1517.

tures below that, including two trash pits with shells and animal bones. Wall notes that Lowery and others have CRISELL identified artifacts that indicate very early occupation at R O B the site, perhaps as long ago as 6000 B.C. Landowner Dick Warbasse (left) and Conservancy president Mark Michel met “I’ve run into enough of these sites to know that you at Maddox Island last year. Researchers feel that the wooded section of the usually don’t get very good preservation in them,” says site may be the least impacted by farming. Wall, who hopes to return to the property in the future. He speculates that the site may have been a small vil- Last fall, in a meeting with the landowner, Richard lage, similar to those that Smith mentioned in his travels. Warbasse, the Conservancy’s Mark Michel and Rob Crisell “I think there is tremendous potential to find com- discussed the idea of protecting the property as an archaeo- munity patterns on the site,” Wall says. “From the condi- logical preserve. Unfortunately, one could only guess at the tion of the pit features, there is a good possibility that you condition of subsurface features, since no formal excava- could find some structural evidence along with all the tions had taken place. Warbasse generously agreed to allow other kinds of evidence you might get, such as hearths the Conservancy two months to test the site. and storage pits.” Maryland State Archaeologist Richard Hughes rec- Armed with the results of the brief excavation, the ommended Towson University archaeologist Bob Wall for Conservancy and Warbasse agreed to proceed with the the dig. Wall had worked most recently on the Barton purchase. Warbasse and his partners also donated a con- property in Cumberland, Maryland, assisting the Conser- servation easement to the Conservancy, which protects vancy in its efforts to permanently preserve this important the adjacent 25-acre field and more than 250 acres of sur- prehistoric site (see “Prehistory at Maryland’s Crossroads,” rounding wetlands. Fall 2000). In December, Wall and his team dug a series The Conservancy’s 200th site promises to be not only of test pits in the field, encountering prehistoric shell one of the most interesting preserves, but also one of the nearly everywhere they looked. One unit revealed intact most beautiful. From the earliest American Indian settlers shells at the bottom of the midden and very distinct fea- to the English in the 1600s, people have been coming to Maddox Island for hundreds of years. With the permanent protection of the site, the Conservancy will make sure that the site remains intact and accessible to people for centuries to come. —Rob Crisell Chesapeake Bay Cultures: Historic St. Mary’s City (301-862-0960; www.stmaryscity.org) sits across the bay from the Maddox Island site. It is an extensive archaeological site featuring a reconstructed Late Woodland Indian village and 17th-century homestead. Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum (410-586-8500; www.jeffpat.org), a new archaeological curation facility and museum, is just 45 minutes north near the town of St. Leonard.

american archaeology 41 new acquisition

Guaranteeing the Future of the Lake Koronis Mounds

The Conservancy acquires a Middle Woodland mound group in Minnesota.

ary Hahn, a life-long resident of Tom Burr, a local Paynesville, Minnesota, stood preservationist, atop Behr Hill overlooking stands on the Lake Koronis and lamented, large mound of M “People don’t realize yet what the Lake Koronis the future holds for this area.” Mound Group. Hahn’s observation referred to the land between quiescent Paynes- ville and the booming megalopolis of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The area is coveted for the development of lake- view homes, and Lake Koronis, less than two hours west of the Tw in Cities, is in the path of development. GARDNER

Having envisioned the future, Hahn, P A U L the owner of Behr Hill, acted to In 1911, N. H. Winchell noted Twin Cities sweeps over the Lake preserve the past. Because of her the mounds in his landmark archaeo- Koronis locale, the preserve will be a foresight, The Archaeological logical survey The Aborigines of fine testament to the vision of Mary Conservancy has acquired its Minnesota. He also described a coni- Hahn and her fellow preservationists second Minnesota preserve, the cal mound on the neighboring prop- and an important resource for the Lake Koronis Mound Group. erty that, today, after generations of study of Midwestern prehistory. The Lake Koronis Mound Group plowing, is merely a slight rise in the —Paul Gardner consists of four well-preserved burial pasture. There are no traces of five mounds of the Middle Woodland mounds Winchell reported being period. The principal mound is about downslope from the main group. 15 feet tall and 80 feet in diameter. The Archaeological Conservancy Conservancy Three smaller mounds are about two is purchasing a 43-acre tract at the feet high and 30 feet summit of Behr Hill for $30,000. Plan of Action in diameter. This acquisition will preserve the SITE: Lake Koronis Mounds remaining burial mounds and their CULTURE AND TIME PERIOD: Middle immediate environs. The Mid- Woodland (ca. 200 B.C.–A.D. 500) dle Woodland period in this STATUS: The Conservancy has a area of central Minnesota is purchase contract allowing us to not well studied, and the Lake acquire a 43-acre parcel containing Koronis area has seen no archaeo- the mound group. logical excavations, so the potential ACQUISITION: The Conservancy needs for future research is great. The burial to raise $33,000 to purchase and fence mounds will remain sacrosanct as the property. prehistoric cemeteries, and they may be incorporated as a focal point along HOW YOU CAN HELP: Please send your a planned walking trail encircling contributions to The Archaeological Lake Koronis. The wooded summit Conservancy, Attn: Lake Koronis will be maintained as a natural area. Mounds Project, 5301 Central Ave. NE, As future development from the Suite 402, Albuquerque, NM 87108.

42 spring • 2001 new The Conservancy Purchases Rare POINT Caddoan Mound in Texas acquisition

The site has one of only two documented Caddoan ash mounds.

he Conservancy has purchased the A. C. Saunders site, a rare

Caddo mound site in Anderson 7 County, Texas, 20 miles south-

4 1 A N 1 9 - west of Tyler. The site was first

LABORATORY, T tested in the 1930s by A. T. Jackson,

A U S T I N , who identified a large mound over A T

R E S E A R C H one hundred feet in diameter and

T E X A S seven feet tall, an associated midden O F area, and a scatter of artifacts. His excavations in the midden area ARCHEOLOGICAL

UNIVERSITY revealed a number of postholes, T E X A S T H E indicating the presence of a large circular building. Two workers excavate post holes by sticking their arms in them. This excavation, led by A. T. Jackson, When Jackson trenched the took place in 1935. mound he discovered that it consisted primarily of ash, with very few the temple the ashes of the sacred in the early 1980s. He tentatively associated artifacts. The ash heap was fire, which they keep to make large supported Jackson’s hypothesis, but piled on a two-foot knoll and was mounds. When they celebrate noted that evidence is lacking to tie capped with a layer of earth about the removal of the bones of their the date of the ash accumulation to one and a half-feet thick. There were enemies, killed in battle, they bury the use of the large structure. no structures built on top of the them in these ashes.” The A. C. Saunders site is the capped mound and no burials were Based on these accounts, Jackson Conservancy’s 11th Texas preserve. found associated with the mound. concluded that the site was probably Working with the Texas Historical A few bones and sherds were found a perpetual fire temple with an associ- Commission, the Conservancy will on the surface, and based on ceramic ated ash mound. Another researcher, nominate the site as a state archaeo- styles of the sherds, Jackson assigned Ulrich Kleinschmidt, revisited the site logical landmark. —Jim Walker the site to the late prehistoric Frankston phase (A.D. 1400–1600). Turning to Spanish and French POINT Acquisitions The POINT Program is the Conservancy’s new emergency acquisition historical observations, Jackson cites initiative to save sites throughout the country. an account by Father Manzanet describing a 1690 visit to a Caddo village that was probably located near the A. C. Saunders site. Father Manzanet described a circular thatch structure, which he called a “temple,” that was much larger than the other structures in the village. The temple contained a fire “which is never extinguished by night or by day.” In another account of a similar structure, a Father Morfi noted “they exercise great care in taking out of

american archaeology 43 CONSERV ANCY FieldNotes

The Conservancy Transfers detailed map of the site created last (Below) This chert flake may contain traces of New Mexico Preserve to summer by ZCRE as a blueprint to protein from an ancient caribou. stabilize looted areas of the site. In the the Pueblo of Zuni Conservancy’s biggest stabilization a cluster of three Paleo-Indian sites SOUTHWEST—Last September, project to date, workers moved more in Jefferson, one of which was the Pueblo of Zuni took title to than 2,500 cubic yards of purchased by the Conservancy Heshodan Imk’oskwi’a (Emerging dirt into the 110 rooms (see “Clovis Comes to New Village), a 160-acre preserve formerly that had been looted in Hampshire,” Fall 1998). known as Box S Pueblo that was the early 1980s. Prior New Hampshire’s Deputy acquired by the Conservancy in to filling the rooms, State Archaeologist, Dick January 2000. The large 1,100 room workers defined the Boisvert, sent a crew from ancestral Zuni pueblo, which is areas that were back- the State Conservation and directly adjacent to the Zuni reser- filled by laying down Rescue Archaeology Pro- vation in west-central New Mexico, stoneware tiles created gram that did a test excava- BOISVERT is believed to have been occupied for this purpose. tion that yielded a flake D I C K in the late 13th century. Following the room sta- and the base of a Barnes- Prior to the property transfer, bilization, workers seeded the area style fluted point. A few weeks later, Conservancy personnel, members of with native vegetation and fenced another crew excavated six more Zuni Cultural Resource Enterprise the site’s features. shovel test pits, recovering additional (ZCRE), and volunteers used a The project, which took eight lithic debris. Further testing followed days to complete, fulfilled preservation in October. In all, they excavated 17 goals that were outlined in a long-term test units that yielded 46 flakes, two management plan jointly designed by unifacial lithics, the fluted point frag- the Conservancy and the Zuni. The ment, and a complete Bull Brook- or purchase of the site and some of the Gainey-style fluted point. management tasks were made possible The complete point and an by a grant from the Lannan Founda- exotic Munsungun chert flake from tion in Santa Fe, New Mexico. northern Maine were analyzed for protein residue. The point tested New Discoveries in Jefferson negative, but the flake had protein from a member of the deer family. ALKER New Hampshire Boisvert thinks it’s most likely cari- W One of the stoneware tiles made by NORTHEAST—In July of 2000, the bou, though deer, moose, or elk are J I M Conservancy staff member Tione Joseph’s New Hampshire Division of Histori- possibilities. This finding is unprece- company, Sleeping Dog Designs, that was cal Resources was alerted to a poten- dented in New England Paleo-Indian used at Heshodan Imk’oskwi’a. tial site near the Israel River Complex, studies and represents one of only a

44 spring • 2001 handful of Paleo sites with any physi- Fieldwork Opportunities cal evidence of fauna. The site, called Jefferson IV, has been added to the Marana Mound Site Excavations methods and aspects of Native American Fridays and Saturdays until May 2, resuming tool technology at this prehistoric Mississip- Israel River Complex. in late October, near Marana, Arizona. Parti- pian village site. $10 registration fee. Call cipate in excavations at this Hohokam village Carla Hildebrand at (270) 335-3681, or site, which features a large platform mound. [email protected]. Wal-Mart Gives the Space is limited and participants must Mission San Antonio de Padua Conservancy Deed at pre-register. Contact Jada St. John at June 17–July 27, near King City, California. Arizona State Museum: (520) 626-5587 The California Polytechnic State University’s Grand Opening or [email protected]. six-week course includes field and laboratory Kansas Archaeology Training Program methods and lectures on this Spanish SOUTHWEST—During the open- June 2–17, Atchison, Kansas. The program Colonial site, which dates between 1771 ing ceremony held at the Wal-Mart offers an opportunity to learn archaeological and 1834. Call Robert Hoover at (805) 544- Supercenter in Coolidge, Arizona, the concepts and methods through classroom 0176 or [email protected]. company gave the Conservancy title instruction and hands-on experience in site Heritage Expeditions to 13.7 acres of land adjacent to the survey, test excavations, and lab work. Pre- June–September, Lolo National Forest historic and possibly historic sites will be the (Montana), the Rogue River/Siskiyou and store. The land contains portions of focus of the program. Registration deadline the prehistoric Hohokam community Willamette National Forests (Oregon), and is May 4. Contact Virginia Wulfkuhle at the the Modoc National Forest (California). The associated with nearby Casa Grande Kansas State Historical Society: (785) 272- USDA Forest Service offer archaeological Ruins and the Grewe site. Wal-Mart 8681, ext. 226, or [email protected]. excavations, guided tours, and training in announced its intention to donate Kids Archaeology Day Camp historic preservation, horsemanship, the land for preservation back in June 9 and 16, Wickliffe Mounds Research packing, and wilderness camping. Call March of 2000, when archaeological Center,Wickliffe, Kentucky. Children ages 3rd (530) 233-8730, or visit the Web site through 7th grade will learn archaeological www.fs.fed.us/recreation/heritage. testing showed a high density of pit- houses and other prehistoric features below the surface. Prior to its con- NEW ENGLAND ANTIQUITIES struction, the store was relocated on RESEARCH ASSOCIATION the property to avoid harming any of the buried features. 35 years in the forefront recording, “Wal-Mart’s development of this researching and preserving enigmatic store was highly responsive to the im- stonework throughout the Northeast portance of the underlying archaeological site,” said Keith Kintigh, president ACROSS of the Society for American Archaeol- BEFORE ogy and an anthropology professor at COLUMBUS? Arizona State University. “The com- Thirty scholars present evidence for pany’s donation of archaeologically transoceanic contact with the Americas significant areas represents an out- prior to 1492. standing and enduring contribution 320 pages, richly illustrated to Southwestern prehistory and to the $26 including people of the United States.” shipping The donation connects Casa Order through Grande Ruins National Monument NEARA and the Grewe site, 32 acres of which Publications the Conservancy recently established 94 Cross Point as a permanent preserve with the help Special rates Road, for groups. Edgecomb, ME, of the Faul and Cole families and an Call for 04556 Arizona Heritage Fund Grant. The FREE CATALOG! Phone (207) 882-9425 Conservancy worked with representa- Fax (207) 882-8162 tives of Wal-Mart Stores to design a Weymouth Wildlife Art Or on the web at www.NEARA.org long-term management plan for 1.800.268.5061 For membership information the property. (508) 753-5187 www.weymouthwildlifeart.com email [email protected] american archaeology 45 THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSERVANCY

Spectacular scenery and a variety of wildlife await rafters around every bend of the San Juan River.

Honaker Trail, a famous trail once used by prospectors. David Grant Noble, photographer and author of such books as Ancient Ruins of the Southwest and New Light on Chaco, will accompany the tour and share his insights about the

people who once lived in this isolated region. OLSSON E R I K A Upcoming Tours – Fall 2001 Rafting Through Time OAXACA, MEXICO SAN JUAN RIVER T OUR In addition to being in Oaxaca during the Day of the Dead When: June 2–9, 2001 festivities, our tour explores the Mixtecan and Zapotecan Where: Southeastern Utah archaeological sites in the region, including Mitla, Monte How much: $1,495 ($45 single supplement) Albán, San José Mogote, and Dainzú. You’ll also travel to If you love floating downriver, camping under the stars, or several crafts villages where you’ll find weaving, pottery, exploring remote archaeological sites, our San Juan River carved animals, and other local art. trip is sure to be an adventure you’ll enjoy. In Bluff, Utah, you’ll begin a six-day journey down the scenic San Juan MASTER POTTERS OF THE SOUTHERN DESERTS River, including its famous “goosenecks” stretch. Among This new tour explores the ceramic traditions and cultures the highlights of the trip are visits to several archaeological of the Hohokam, Mimbres, and Casas Grandes people. The sites, such as River House, the largest cliff dwelling on the trip includes Hohokam ruins and pottery from the Phoenix San Juan. You’ll also visit Chinle Wash, the famous setting and Tucson areas, Spanish missions and presidios, and a be- for author Tony Hillerman’s novel A Thief of Time. hind the scenes look at over 10,000 pots on display at the At Lower Butler Wash you’ll view what is considered Arizona State Museum. You’ll also see New Mexico’s Gila one of the Southwest’s most beautiful rock art sites. For Cliff Dwellings, extensive collections of Mimbres pottery, those who wish to explore beyond the river, there are oppor- Northern Mexico’s Casas Grandes, the potters of Mata tunities throughout the trip to hike river trails, including Ortiz, and the mysterious Cave of the Ollas.

46 spring • 2001 Patrons of Preservation The Archaeological Conservancy would like to thank all of its members for making 2000 such a successful year for preserving endangered archaeological sites. This year 18 sites were protected through support from foundations, corporations, and Conservancy members. We would like to extend a special thanks to the following donors who contributed to the Conservancy during the period of November 2000 through January 2001. Life Member Gifts of $1,000 or more Anasazi Circle Gifts of $2,000 or more Corporate/Foundation Gifts Anonymous (2) Anonymous (1) of $1,000–$19,999 Paula Atkeson, Washington, D.C. Robert and Helene Beck, California Vaughan W. Brown Charitable Michael Brooks, Idaho Jerry and Janet EtsHokin, Illinois Trust, Maryland Arthur Cushman, Tennessee Arthur and Mary Faul, Arizona Marion Stedman Covington Nelson Kempsky, California Helen Darby, California Foundation, North Carolina Mark Menefee and Stephanie Wade, Maryland Bernice Glozek, Nevada Harley W. Howell Charitable J. C. Morris, Virginia Foundation, Maryland Elizabeth Greenlee, New Mexico Dorinda Oliver, New York Carol and Kent H. Landsberg Ellen Hoff, Arizona John Ottens, Arizona Foundation, California Virginia Howard, Hawaii Barbara Ann Watkins, Nevada Marbrook Foundation, Minnesota Leah Kaplan, Massachusetts The Phase Foundation, Maryland POINT Program Gifts of $1,000–$2,499 Steve and Judy Kazan, California Edmund T. and Eleanor Quick Roland Mace, New Mexico Betty Banks, Washington Foundation, Inc., Colorado Nance and Barbara Creager, Texas James Margard, Washington Randleigh Foundation Trust, Robert Hagge Jr., Wisconsin North Carolina Brad and Carol Miller, Texas Jim Heckenbach, California Frances Minton, Utah William B. Stokely Jr. Foundation, Jonathan Orser, Ohio POINT Program Gifts of $2,500–$9,999 Tennessee Hester Woodfin Parker and family, Texas Coburn Haskell, Ohio Wood-Rill Foundation, Minnesota (in memory of E. W. F. Peterson) The Wyss Foundation, Pennsylvania POINT Program Gifts of $10,000 or more Dwight Riggs, Arizona Corporate/Foundation Gifts Harlan and Ann Scott, Delaware Anonymous (1) Nina Bonnie, Kentucky of $20,000 or more Gregory Swartwout, North Carolina Donna Cosulich, New York Benwood Foundation, Tennessee Laurene Thompson, Colorado The George Gund Foundation, Ohio Boettcher Foundation, Colorado The J. M. Kaplan Fund, New York Gates Family Foundation, Colorado

TO MAKE A The Archaeological Conservancy DONATION OR BECOME 5301 Central Ave. NE, Suite 402 • Albuquerque, NM 87108 A MEMBER, (505) 266-1540 CONTACT: www.americanarchaeology.org

Making Tax Time Less Taxing As tax time approaches, you might be wondering if there are ways you can reduce the amount you owe to the IRS and increase what you give to charitable causes. One vehicle that many Conservancy members choose is a charitable gift annuity. One long-time Conservancy supporter, Ms. S of Missouri, made a generous gift annuity of $20,000 this year. In return, she gets a tax deduction of $10,791 for 2000, a yearly income of 9.9 percent of the annuity for the rest of her life, and the satisfaction of knowing that she has done her part to help preserve archaeological sites across the country. “I think it’s important to have remembrances,” said Ms. S. “Everything is moving so fast and being obliter- ated so fast that if we’re not careful to protect it, we won’t have a history.” Ms. S is 83 years old and passionate about the importance of preserving the history and culture of America’s early peoples. When asked why she chose to contribute to the Conservancy in this way, she said, “I get a better interest rate on my money, and I also have a bona fide deduction. I could invest in mutual funds or something, but I think that the history of this country is important.” She added, “I appreciate the tax deduction, but I was more interested in preserving the sites.” —Martha Mulvany

american archaeology 47 Reviews

The Settlement of The Settlement of the Americas is an the Americas essential contribution. By Thomas D. Dillehay (Basic Books, 2000; Cahokia: The Great Native 352 pgs., $28 cloth; American Metropolis 800-386-5656) By Bilione Whiting Young Just when we and Melvin L. Fowler thought the prob- (University of Illinois lem of the peopling of the Americas was Press, 2000; 366 pgs., solved, along came Tom Dillehay. It was illus.; $55 cloth, thought that the first Americans crossed the $25 paper, Bering Strait from Siberia during the last 217-244-4689) Ice Age and traversed an ice-free corridor to Noted archaeologist Melvin L. Fowler the Great Plains. From there they quickly has teamed up with writer Bilione spread throughout the New World. This all Whiting Young to give us the first major began around 11,200 years ago, and the popular account of Cahokia, the largest great hunters were called Clovis people, and most complex pre-Columbian city Chronicle of the Maya after a small town in New Mexico where north of Mexico. For 300 years Cahokia Kings and Queens their remains were first identified. flourished on the Mississippi River flood- This theory of the peopling of the plain east of St. Louis. Its population By Simon Martin and Americas lasted barely 50 years before surpassed 10,000. A 15-foot palisade Nikolae Grube Dillehay, of the University of Kentucky, wall with bastions surrounded the cere- (Thames & Hudson, 2000; discovered a site in southern Chile that monial center, and an elaborate obser- 240 pgs., illus.; $35 cloth; produced human artifacts and C-14 dates vatory kept track of the seasons. Monks 800-233-4830) 1,300 years earlier than Clovis. The Monte Mound, the largest in North America, Using the latest in Mayan Verde site, which Dillehay excavated towers over the site (see American hieroglyphic decipherment, between 1977 and 1989, is now widely Archaeology, Winter 2000-01). the authors have assembled accepted as the first proven pre-Clovis site. Fowler first arrived at Cahokia as a biographical accounts of This realization has unleashed a full-scale young archaeologist and for the next some 152 kings and 4 ruling queens from 11 of assault on the Clovis-first thesis that is the 50 years his career was entwined with the greatest Classical sites subject of this very readable book. the great site. He tells how it was nearly of the southern Maya low- Dillehay writes about his research at destroyed by the sprawl of St. Louis, and lands. The lords of Tikal, Monte Verde and about early sites through- how a series of investigations have begun Palenque, Copán, and other out South America that he believes are the to unravel its great size and complexity. great cities are revealed. key to solving the problem of the peopling Much of this engaging volume is a first- In this beautifully designed of the Americas. In addition to archaeology, hand account of 50 years of research and illustrated book, Martin he uses linguistics, geology, and ecology to by pioneers in Mississippian archaeology. and Grube also examine support his thesis. Land routes and sea The great discoveries at Cahokia come the most recent thinking on routes are explored, and Dillehay brings alive along with the people who made Maya political organization us up to date on all of the latest theories, them. Fowler and Young provide a and royal family relationships. including a migration from Europe. wonderfully human account of site It’s a handy guide to the latest in Maya written history. Archaeologists are rapidly rewriting the preservation and scientific revelation. adventures of the first Americans, and —Mark Michel

48 spring • 2001 BOOKS

Coyote Press P.O. Box 3377 Salinas, CA 93912 Specializing in Archaeology, History, Prehistory, Ethnography, Linguistics, Rock Art, and Native American Studies of Western North America. We stock thousands of books and re- prints, including used and rare books. If it is in print we generally can get it. Custom rare book searches. Visit our massive on-line catalogue: http://www.coyotepress.com. Free 50 page catalogue available. (831) 422-4912 E-mail: [email protected] Visa MasterCard

Heritage Expeditions CANCUÉN of the USDA Forest Service & The Splendid Maya Palace A “Windows on the Past” Adventure! 13 Days of Natural History & Classic Maya Sites. $2,860. Enjoy a hands-on educational vacation learning historic preservation skills, taking part in archaeological excava- PALENQUE, COPAN, TIKAL tions, or touring and hiking off the beaten path to historic “The Quetzal Tour”. and prehistoric sites. 3 Countries, 9 Days. $1,495 MAYAN RHAPSODY Lolo National Forest, Montana offers courses in historic preservation, horsemanship, packing, and outdoor camping Yucatan Peninsula Circuit. skills. Willamette National Forest, Oregon offers treks 12 Maya cities, 8 Days through time. Rogue River & Siskiyou NF’s, Oregon All Meals, 4★ Hotels. $1,870. offer archaeology and history of Chinese miners. Modoc THE MAYA ODYSSEY National Forest, California offers archaeological research Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, excavations and archaeology & history tours. Check our 15 Maya Sites, 3 Countries. website for more expeditions throughout the year. 9 Days All-Inclusive. $1,895. Learning Fees from Heritage Expeditions fund protection of sites for public use and YUCATAN OVERTURE Adventures enjoyment as well as conservation education programs about archaeology and 6 Days All-Inclusive. $1,353. in Mexico history. Your participation will help preserve the past for future generations. & Central America Reservations are required. For more information visit Heritage— our website at www.fs.fed.us/recreation/heritage or It’s About 800-392-6292 Free Brochure phone (530) 233-8730; FAX (530) 233-8709. Time! mayatour.com • [email protected] Make your mark in time. Some Conservancy members think the only way to help save archaeological sites is through membership dues. While dues are a constant lifeline, there are many Parkin Archeological ways you can support the State Park Conservancy’s work, both today and well into the future. And by parkin, arkansas supporting the Conservancy, you Began as a Conservancy Preserve in 1985 not only safeguard our past for your children and grandchildren, you also may save some money.

Place stock in the Conservancy. Evaluate your investments. Some members choose to make a difference by donating stock. Such gifts offer a charitable deduction for the full value instead of paying capital gains tax.

Give a charitable gift annuity. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to make a gift of cash and securities today that lets you receive extensive tax benefits as well as an income for as long as you live.

leave a lasting legacy. Many people consider protecting our cultural heritage by remem- bering the Conservancy in their will. While providing us with a dependable source of income, bequests may qualify you for an estate tax deduction.

Whatever kind of gift you give, you can be sure we’ll use it to

TIERNY preserve places like Parkin Archeological State Park S P E N C E R and our other 200 sites across the United States.

Yes, I’m interested in making a planned-giving donation to The Archaeological Conservancy and Mail information requests to: saving money on my taxes. Please send more information on: The Archaeological Conservancy Attn: Planned Giving ❏ ❏ ❏ Gifts of stock Bequests Charitable gift annuities 5301 Central Avenue NE Suite 402 Name: Albuquerque, NM 87108-1517 Street Address: Or call: City: State: Zip: (505) 266-1540 Phone: ( ) -