Soapstone Vessel Chronology and Function in the Southern Appalachians of Eastern Tennessee

Author

Edward William Wells III, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Date of Award

12-2006

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Anthropology

Major Professor

Sarah C. Sherwood

Committee Members

Jefferson Chapman, Nicholas Hermann

Abstract

The role of soapstone along the South Atlantic Slope in Late Archaic societies is well researched; however, information concerning both the chronology and function of soapstone vessel use in the South Appalachian region is limited. Excavations at the Apple Barn site (40BT90) in eastern Tennessee has produced one of the largest assemblages of soapstone artifacts in the region. The results of radiocarbon dating, residue analysis (pollen, starch and phytoliths) (Apple Barn only), and vessel attribute analysis from this assemblage and the Iddins Site (40LD38) are used to reconsider regional soapstone chronology and vessel function. The results suggest that soapstone vessels were used to process cultigens in the Early Woodland.

Recommended Citation

Wells, Edward William III, "Soapstone Vessel Chronology and Function in the Southern Appalachians of Eastern Tennessee. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2006.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/4513