9 Pits

Students reveal ancient pits by troweling the top of subsoil. (Photograph courtesy of Research Laboratories of Archaeology. More about the photograph)

Archaeologists also find larger features, such as the ones visible in this photograph. These are called pits, because they indicate areas where, in ancient times, a hole was dug and then refilled. The ancient Indians used such pits for storage and cooking. When they fell out of use, they were refilled with dark topsoil that was full of village refuse. (That’s why nowadays they appear darker than the surrounding subsoil.) Occasionally, pits were also used as graves; such features are called burials.

This video shows archaeologist Trawick Ward explaining why ancient pits were dug and refilled.

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Learn more

• Excavating Occaneechi Town The original version published by the UNC Research Laboratories of Archaeology includes historical background, interactive activities, and additional information about Occaneechi Town.

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• Search LEARN NC for more resources on American Indian towns, American Indians, North Carolina, Occaneechi, archaeology, excavations, and pits.

Excavating Occaneechi Town

The original version published by the UNC Research Laboratories of Archaeology includes historical background, interactive activities, and additional information about Occaneechi Town.