August 19, 2002

Today's Accomplishments:

Beginning to prepare for close down by starting the  photographing and drawing of all profiles. Excavations continue on the top and south side of the mound, to resolve major research questions, such as locating the base of the gray platform atop the mound, and how the surface of the third (second interior) stage appears on the south side.

The north trench is re-opened for the first time in about 30 days, so final data can be collected from units opened earlier in the summer.

 The north trench is re-opened for the first time in about 30 days, so final data can be collected from units opened earlier in the summer.
South wall of N62 E181 in the north trench, showing filling episodes. In this part of the mound the first evidence for basket loading of fill was observed in several units. South wall of N62 E181 in the north trench, showing filling episodes. In this part of the mound the first evidence for basket loading of fill was observed in several units.
Profiling operations in the north trench. Profiling operations in the north trench. From bottom to top, SEAC archaeologists Steve Kidd, Jessica McNeil, Nashville volunteer Susan Holiday, and SEAC archaeologist Josh Wells working on the trench. John Cornelison, project co-director, is to the right on the stairs.
South wall of N63 E181 in the north trench, showing filling episodes, which here are discrete bands. South wall of N63 E181 in the north trench, showing filling episodes, which here are discrete bands.
Excavations in the control trench atop mound A, which we are taking down to a depth of 310 cm below datum (about 1.6 meters below surface) all the way across the mound. Excavations in the control trench atop mound A, which we are taking down to a depth of 310 cm below datum (about 1.6 meters below surface) all the way across the mound. From front to back SEAC archaeologists Mason Sheffield, Jennifer Bedell, and Josh Wells working on the units..
East profile of N65E181, showing wedge of gray silt clay from a major filling episode. East profile of N65E181, showing wedge of gray silt clay from a major filling episode. Evidence for internal stages was found on both the north and south sides of the mound, some of which can be tied together across the entire profile.
SEAC archaeologist Robert Moses removing a large stump from the east side of the mound, so the area can be covered for shut down easily. SEAC archaeologist Robert Moses removing a large stump from the east side of the mound, so the area can be covered for shut down easily.
Fired red floor at edge of the third (second interior) mound stage, in the south trench area, in N38-39 E182, view from the west looking east. The red floor runs to the edge of the mound stage. Fired red floor at edge of the third (second interior) mound stage, in the south trench area, in N38-39 E182, view from the west looking east. The red floor runs to the edge of the mound stage.
Fired red floor at edge of the third (second interior) mound stage, in the south trench area, in N38-39 E182. Overhead view. Fired red floor at edge of the third (second interior) mound stage, in the south trench area, in N38-39 E182. Overhead view. Several posts are evident intruding through the floor, including three in a line located across the central part of the floor, running diagonally, adjacent to a linear root/root scar.

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