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  • Archaic stone tools and Late Woodland ceramics

    Jul 22, 2020 9:45 am by Tiffany Jolley
    Stone tools that are suggestive of generalized Archaic period (probably 3,000 or more years old) use of the area where they were located – one is a drill or perforating tool and the other may be a reworked knife form.

    Stone tools that are suggestive of generalized Archaic period (probably 3,000 or more years old) use of the area where they were located – one is a drill or perforating tool and the other may be a reworked knife form. Photo credit: Alex Sattler

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    A Facebook message from a citizen scientist with a keen eye in Henderson County revealed an impressive assemblage of artifacts. ISAS archaeologists at the Western Illinois Field Station have worked extensively along U.S. Highway 34 near Oquawka where the artifacts were found and have a great interest in the archaeology of this region.

    Ceramic shards that appear to relate to Burris ware, which is the product of a regional, terminal Late Woodland native culture found in this area and the adjacent part of Iowa that can be expected to date between approximately 900–1100 AD, or roughly one thousand years ago.

    Ceramic shards that appear to relate to Burris ware, which is the product of a regional, terminal Late Woodland native culture found in this area and the adjacent part of Iowa that can be expected to date between approximately 900–1100 AD, or roughly one thousand years ago. Photo credit: Alex Sattler

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    The ceramics all appear to relate to Burris ware, which is the product of a regional, terminal Late Woodland native culture found in this area and the adjacent part of Iowa that can be expected to date between approximately 900–1100 AD, or roughly 1,000 years ago. It remains possible that other types of pottery are included.

    The people who made Burris ware likely lived along the Mississippi River on linearly oriented sandy terrace remnants.

    Thanks to the numerous contributions from our citizen scientists around the state, ISAS has a better understanding of Illinois’ archaeological heritage. We look forward to discussing potential artifact discoveries and look forward to continuing to collaborate with the public.

    If you think you have found an artifact, please contact us at isas@illinois.edu or submit your images and questions to Ask an Archaeologist.

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