What ancient pit contents tell us - Excavating Occaneechi Town: An archaeology primer

A closer view of ancient refuse at the bottom of a pit. (Photograph courtesy of Research Laboratories of Archaeology. More about the photograph)

A closer view of this same refuse also reveals burned rocks (possibly cooking stones), deer antler, and the jawbone (or mandible) of a deer. All of this refuse could well have been the remains of a single meal. Each pit can be viewed as a “time capsule” of daily life. By recovering, comparing, and interpreting the contents of many such pits, archaeologists have been able to reconstruct how the ancient villagers lived, what foods they ate, and what tools they used in their household activities.

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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.

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.