SHOVEL TESTING THE SQUIRE'S RIDGE (31ED365) SITE : EDGECOMBE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

E. Christopher Caynor (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Advisor

I. Randolph Daniel

Abstract: In this study artifacts from the 2009 field season at Squire's Ridge (31ED365) are analyzed. One-hundred and fourteen shovel tests were completed by students under the supervision of I. Randolph Daniel that account for approximately 7000 artifacts. Three main categories of artifacts are considered by the author: stone ceramic and miscellaneous. The assemblage includes artifacts diagnostic of the Early Middle and Late Archaic and the Early and Middle Woodland. A spatial analysis is completed using artifact density maps created in Golden Software SURFER 8. This analysis reveals an occupation that is largely isomorphic with the ridge crest. This study suggests that the archaeology of the North Carolina Coastal Plain will benefit from the continued study of relict sand dunes such as Squire's Ridge and Barber Creek and supports the conclusions of Christopher Moore 2009 that relict sand dunes provided sites for occupation during the Archaic and Woodland along the Tar River. It also provides an initial step in the creation of a culture-history that is specific to the Coastal Plain. 

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Date: 2011

Keywords

Archaeology, Archaic, Coastal Plain, North Carolina, Shovel Testing, Woodlands

Subjects

Woodland culture--North Carolina--Edgecombe County

Paleo-Indians--North Carolina--Edgecombe County

Indians of North America--North Carolina--Edgecombe County--Antiquities

Excavations (Archaeology)--North Carolina--Edgecombe County

Squire's Ridge (N.C.)--Antiquities

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