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Shell Mounds in the Southeast: Middens, Monuments, Temple Mounds, Rings, or Works?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

William H. Marquardt
William H. Marquardt*
Affiliation:
Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, PO Box 117800, Gainesville, Florida 32611-7800 (bilmarq@flmnh.ufl.edu)
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Abstract

Focusing on the southeastern United States, I provide some alternative perspectives on shell mounds previously interpreted as architectural features, temple mounds, and feasting sites. The same pattern of deposition often inferred to indicate mound construction—darker-colored, highly organic strata alternating with lighter-colored, shell-rich strata—can be accounted for by domestic midden accumulation and disposal of refuse away from living areas. Observed abundances of particular shell species can result from local or regional ecological conditions. Site complexes interpreted as architectural may have evolved largely in response to short-term climate changes. Shell rings on the Georgia and South Carolina coasts probably functioned to conserve and store unconfined water. To understand ancient shell mounds, we need a sediment-oriented approach to the study of mound deposits and more attention to the environmental contexts in which shell mounds accumulated.

Resumen

Resumen

Este estudio se enfoca en el sudeste de los Estados Unidos, impartiendo nuevas perspectivas sobre montículos de conchas situados en esa región que previamente han sido interpretados como características arquitectónicas, montículos-templos, y sitios para banquetes ceremoniales. Una pauta característica de deposición que se ha usado frecuentemente para deducir la construcción de un montículo—estratos de color oscuro con abundante materia orgánica alternando con estratos más claros con gran abundancia de conchas—se puede explicar como producto de la acumulación de desechos domésticos y la eliminación de otros desechos lejos de las áreas de residencia. La preponderancia que se ha notado de especies particulares de conchas puede ser producto de condiciones ecológicas locales o regionales. Los complejos de yacimientos que se han interpretado como formas arquitectónicas podrían haber evolucionado en reacción a cambios climáticos a corto plazo. Los montículos de conchas en forma de anillos situados en las costas de Georgia y Carolina del Sur probablemente funcionaron para conservar y guardar agua. Para comprender estos antiguos montículos de conchas, se requiere un acercamiento al estudio de sus depósitos que se enfoque en los sedimentos, y una mayor atención a los contextos ambientales en que dichos montículos se acumularon.

Type
Articles
Information
American Antiquity , Volume 75 , Issue 3 , July 2010 , pp. 551 - 570
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 2010

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