Research issues that data from this site may be able to contribute to include prehistoric settlement patterns, intra-site variation, resource preferences and procurement, and landscape modifications over time. Using these issues as a basic framework, several research questions were formulated to guide the data recovery investigations. This data recovery strives to address the following research topics:
1) What is the extent of Paleoindian/Early Archaic Transitional Period exploitation of the site?
Very few expressions of human occupation during this time period have been identified in Horry County. The majority of the test units excavated at 38HR496 exhibited increases in lithic artifacts commiserate with decreases in ceramics. Several of these test units contained only lithic artifacts in their deepest levels. This trend will be further explored in an attempt to isolate Paleoindian and/or Early Archaic material. One 50 by 50 unit excavated in the extreme western end of the site yielded a Suwanee-like point. (Back to top)2) What is the site function for the Woodland occupation and how does it fit into settlement models for major river drainages?
Although Woodland period sites are ubiquitous throughout the Coastal Plain of South Carolina, 38HR496 may be able to shed new light on Woodland site types. The cluster of post features identified in a test unit may be a portion of a house pattern. The presence of a structure would strongly suggest that this site’s Woodland occupation had some degree of permanence. Permanence would suggest that this site functioned as a base camp, rather than, for example, a short term resource procurement camp. If the site function can be determined, we can then examine the conditions present that lend themselves to such an occupation. (Back to top)3) How does 38HR496 compare to other Woodland sites that do no contain shell middens in terms of subsistence strategies?
No shell middens were identified at 38HR496. Despite its situation on a large river and its relative proximity to the coast, the site occupants do not appear to have exploited shellfish (either salt or fresh water). Stream confluences have been identified as microenvironments with abundant resources. The location of 38HR496 at the confluence of the Waccamaw River and Socastee Creek will be examined in detail, as it pertains to available resources. This data will then be used to compare the characteristics of this site with other non-shell midden Woodland sites in Horry County in an attempt to delineate specific characteristics common to this type. (Back to top)4) What is the nature of the Mississippian ceramic assemblage and how does it compare with assemblages from other Mississippian sites along the Waccamaw River, such as Wachesaw Landing?
The Mississippian period ceramics recovered from 38HR496 had surface treatments similar to those identified in the Wachesaw Landing assemblage–Pee Dee and Wachesaw types. The variety of ceramic vessel forms will be used to determine site function and intensity of occupation. This analysis may provide data on the site function of 38HR496 during Mississippian times (i.e, was it a hamlet versus a village site). (Back to top)5) What is the nature of the lithic assemblage from 38HR496 and can lithic sources be identified in the vicinity?
Despite a lack of abundant lithic resources in the Coastal Plain, site 38HR496 yielded a wide range of lithic artifacts from a variety of materials. This lithic variation may be the result of many different activities, including trade, resource procurement excursions, and exploitation of locally available materials even if they are of poor quality. Many of the lithic artifacts from 38HR496 are from cobbles. (Back to top)6) What is the degree, periodicity, and pattern of settlement at 38HR496 over time?
The span of occupation at this site allows us to compare and contrast different occupations of the same location. Based on material recovered during data recovery, we hope to be able to examine issues of resource preference, site location preference, and how these topics reflect prehistoric lifewayes. (Back to top)
