The spatial dimension of the woodland period. Issue 2 (4th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Karen Y.; Stephenson, Keith
• Is Part Of: Southeastern archaeology. Volume 37:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 112
• Page End: 128
• Publication Date: 2018-05-04
• Subjects: Woodland period -- radiocarbon dates -- spatial analysis; Southern States -- Antiquities -- Periodicals; Indians of North America -- Southern States -- Antiquities -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1080/0734578X.2017.1416887
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0734-578X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: State archaeological site files are a critical component of cultural resource management and information management toolkits. Yet, engagement with these datasets for research purposes can be difficult, at best. We address some of the challenges to a synthesis of spatial data from state site files by examining the Woodland period components of Deptford/Cartersville, Swift Creek, and Weeden Island. We also examine time slices of a large set of radiocarbon dates from contexts reported to be associated with Deptford and Swift Creek. Dates are plotted on a map at the same spatial scale as our site files dataset to evaluate time and space simultaneously. This study reveals important gaps in the radiocarbon dataset that can be rectified with strategic sampling. It also supports some long-held ideas about the spatial distribution of Deptford, Swift Creek, and Weeden Island. For example, Weeden Island is demonstrated to be strongly centered on the Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast, whereas Deptford is concentrated on both the Gulf and the Atlantic Coastal Plains.