Garniewicz, Rexford C. (Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University,
Bloomington)
A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON MIDDLE WOODLAND ANIMAL UTILIZATION
AT THE MANN SITE
Excavations at the Mann site (12 Po 2) in 1977 revealed two purely Middle Woodland
pits containing well preserved faunal remains. A preliminary investigation was
undertaken in 1992 to examine whether these pits contained information on site
function or seasonality.
Of the sample of 1,574 fragments analyzed, 343 were identifiable to the species
level. Mammals comprised over 83% of the sample, reptiles accounted for 9%, and
birds 7%. Fish and mussels comprised less than 1% combined. The majority of reptilian
remains were discarded fragments of turtle shell, many of which showed evidence
of modification into bowls. Worked bone also included bone pins and awls, worked
antler tines, spatulas, beamers, a needle, a beaver incisor chisel, and several
cervid metapodial fragments worked into the shape of raptor talons.
Although the Mann site is situated at an optimal location for the exploitation
of fish and other aquatic resources, the faunal assemblage is dominated by deer,
elk, and turkey. This discord suggests that site habitation is related to a corporate-
ceremonial function rather than for optimal exploitation of resources. Styles
and Purdue provide a similar case study in Illinois, showing that the presence
of fish remains in village contexts represents a focus on subsistence, whereas
the absence of such remains at mortuary camps represents an alternate focus of
activity. (B.W. Styles and J.R. Purdue, "Ritual and Secular Use of Fauna by Middle
Woodland Peoples in Western Illinois," in Beamers, Bobwhites, and Blue-Points
edited by J. Purdue, W. Klippel, and B. Styles, Illinois State Museum Scientific
Papers, Vol. 23, 1991.)
Despite the small sample size, the presence of migratory species such as teal
suggests that some animals were being obtained in the spring or fall. The presence
of deer pedicles with shed antlers further suggests that this area of the site
was occupied in the late winter or spring. Although the overall site occupation
cannot be limited to the winter or spring based on such a small isolated sample,
at the present time there is no conclusive evidence for faunal exploitation in
the summer or fall. [return to 1992 abstracts menu][continue to next]