The Archaic, Formative, and Developmental Periods

Abstract

When an archaeological site is excavated, evidence of occupation other than the period and culture of particular interest is often found. Such was the case with our excavations on Albemarle Point, where tools over 6000 years old reflect the presence of Indians there long before the English and Spaniards set foot there a mere 300 years ago. I present here the summary of the Archaic Period artifacts (Ritchie 1932; Griffin 1952:354-356) found during our search for evidence of the 1670 settlement of Charles Towne. Because my primary research goal and strategy was focused on the historic British colonial 17th century period, the evidence for the occupation by Native Americans during the Archaic Period was an unexpected bonus to my research design, a bonus I felt an obligation to record as best I could.

How long did Native Americans live on Albemarle Point? What types of Indian objects were found? How does Indian pottery found on Albemarle Point compare to that found elsewhere in the southeast? What are baked clay objects and what were they used for by the Indians?