Multi-method geoarchaeological analyses demonstrates exceptionally rapid construction of Ridge West 3 at Poverty Point

Q1 Social Sciences

Southeastern Archaeology Pub Date : 2021-07-03 DOI:10.1080/0734578X.2021.1958445

T. Kidder, S. Kai, E. Henry, S. Grooms, K. Ervin

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引用次数: 5

Abstract

ABSTRACT This report presents results of re-excavation and reanalysis of unit 5276N 4790E, located on Ridge West 3 (RW3) at the Poverty Point site. Jon Gibson excavated this unit and others in 1991 and argued that RW3 was constructed rapidly. We test the fast construction hypothesis by applying new methods (micromorphology, magnetic susceptibility, sequential loss-on-ignition) and by obtaining new radiocarbon dates. Before construction, the ground surface beneath RW3 was cleared and occupied. Preconstruction deposits are composed of anthropogenically enriched sediments. RW3 was constructed in layers of mixed heterogeneous natural and anthropogenically enriched sediments. The surfaces of these layers were used briefly during construction. The goal of the builders was to quickly raise the ridge to its full height. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and artifact density data show that the top of the constructed ridge is buried 10 to 30 cm below the modern surface. The construction of this section of RW3 was exceptionally rapid. The ridge was built after 3355–3210 cal BP and was under construction by at least 3450–2975 cal BP. Analysis of existing excavations offers great opportunity for pursuing vital research questions while having a limited effect on the integrity of archaeological deposits at Poverty Point.

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多方法地质考古分析表明，Ridge West 3在Poverty Point的施工速度异常快

摘要:本报告介绍了位于贫点地区Ridge West 3 (RW3)的5276N 4790E单元的重新挖掘和再分析结果。Jon Gibson在1991年挖掘了这个单位和其他单位，并认为RW3的建设速度很快。我们通过应用新方法(微形貌、磁化率、点火损失顺序)和获得新的放射性碳测年来测试快速构建假设。在施工前，RW3下面的地面被清理和占用。建前沉积由人为富集的沉积物组成。RW3是在自然和人为富集的混合非均质沉积物层中构建的。这些层的表面在施工期间被短暂使用。建造者的目标是迅速把山脊抬高到最高点。磁化率测量和人工密度数据表明，构造脊的顶部埋在现代地表以下10至30厘米处。这段RW3的建设异常迅速。该山脊建于3355-3210 cal BP之后，至少在3450-2975 cal BP之前正在建设中。对现有发掘的分析为追求重要的研究问题提供了巨大的机会，同时对珀普Point考古沉积物的完整性影响有限。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Southeastern Archaeology Social Sciences-Archeology

CiteScore

1.40

自引率

0.00%

发文量

期刊介绍： Southeastern Archaeology is a refereed journal that publishes works concerning the archaeology and history of southeastern North America and neighboring regions. It covers all time periods, from Paleoindian to recent history and defines the southeast broadly; this could be anything from Florida (south) to Wisconsin (North) and from Oklahoma (west) to Virginia (east). Reports or articles that cover neighboring regions such as the Northeast, Plains, or Caribbean would be considered if they had sufficient relevance.