August 5, 2002

Today's Accomplishments:

Two archaeomagnetic samples were taken from burned surfaces at the north end of the mound summit, and  excavations were continued over the rest of the summit and south trench area.

 

SEAC archeologist Jessica McNeil measuring declination for archaeomagnetic sample cubes from a burned structure surface on the north end of the mound summit.

 SEAC archeologist Jessica McNeil measuring declination for archaeomagnetic sample cubes from a burned structure surface on the north end of the mound summit. A dozen samples are taken from each surface and are processed to yield a date. The development of an archaeomagnetic curve for use by archaeologists is being undertaken by Stacey Lengyel of the University of Arizona.
SEAC archaeologist Heather Mustonen pours plaster into the archaeomagnetic sample cubes to secure the fired clay samples. SEAC archaeologist Heather Mustonen pours plaster into the archaeomagnetic sample cubes to secure the fired clay samples. The samples are being taken from a burned structure surface on the north end of the mound summit. Clay
Enigmatic dark stained area on a burned surface at the north central part of the mound summit, in N51 E181-182. Enigmatic dark stained area on a burned surface at the north central part of the mound summit, in N51 E181-182. Determining what this is will await further excavation. This may be a possible drip line, or an area of unusual firing.
SEAC archaeologist Rachel Horlings excavating on the eastern side of the mound summit, work done in full safety gear. SEAC archaeologist Rachel Horlings excavating on the eastern side of the mound summit, work done in full safety gear.
University of Tennessee forensic anthropologist Nicole Drews working on the water screen. University of Tennessee forensic anthropologist Nicole Drews working on the water screen. Many professional archaeologists and anthropologists visited or volunteered on the project.
View of the covered over north trench, illuminated with a photo flash. View of the covered over north trench, illuminated with a photo flash. The trench has been covered over for some two weeks now. Some volunteers and crew keep asking to be allowed to climb down into the trench, which we do not allow, since it is pitch dark at the bottom, and we do not know what might be living in there!

Return to Calendar