11 Ancient pit contents

Ancient refuse at the bottom of a pit. (Photograph courtesy of Research Laboratories of Archaeology. More about the photograph)

Here is a view of a pit after it has been completely excavated. In the bottom you can see animal bones mixed with pottery fragments, called sherds. The sherds come from a cooking pot that broke while being used. An ancient villager discarded the broken fragments by throwing them into this pit along with other household refuse.

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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.

Related topics

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