An attribute you might include in your pottery description is the direction of twist of cords used in making the cordmarkings; “S” twist (right hand) and “Z” twist (left hand)—but remember, the impressions on the pottery are negative, so the cord was the opposite of the impressions that you see. I found the percentage of this attribute quite significant in separating Early Bluff from Late Bluff.”

CONCLUSION

The three days of salvage archaeology at this site at St. Charles, Missouri were well rewarded by the information gained and especially by the recovery of charcoal associated with the artifacts in the pits. The three radiocarbon dates, with the exception of the late one, must be of considerable value to archaeologists investigating sites in the Midwest, and especially those in the vicinity of St. Louis and the American Bottoms. As for the site, the writer understands that it is totally built over, but isolated finds during construction work at the location could provide further important knowledge of the prehistoric Indians who inhabited the site. The passage of 16 years since the initial investigation, before this report could be concluded, is further proof that the archaeologist’s job is a difficult one to pursue, and it is only by the persistent endeavor and cooperation of the various persons interested that anything is accomplished.

FOOTNOTES

[1]Parentheses indicate estimated measurement

[2]Based on data from Table 34, Myers and Bass (n.d.)

Transcriber’s Notes