Exploring Overhill Cherokee Material Culture Patterning

Cherokee acculturation as revealed in the patterned material culture remains from the Colonial through the Federal Period is examined. The utilization of a quantitative functional classification scheme facilitates artifact classification and the formulation of assemblage profiles and artifact patterns for the Colonial Period based on data from Chota/Tanasee (40MR2/40MR62), Citico (40MR7), and Tomotley (40MR5), the Federal Period based on data from Chota/ Tanasee (40MR2/40MR62) and Citico (40MR7), and Mialoquo based on data from this site, 40MR3. The expectation that the Mialoquo Pattern would contrast with both the Colonial and Federal Period Patterns and therefore be identified as Revolutionary Period is not supported by statistical analysis. Rather, this analysis indicates overall similarity between the respective patterns. Comparison at the group and assemblage profile levels, however, reveals differences which reflect processes of Euro-American contact with the Cherokee.