Abstract
This paper investigates the nature of functional variation as reflected on an intra-site level. Although a site generally has one “function,” most sites contain material evidence of numerous activities occurring at different times and places among different groups of people. Distributions and associations of archaeological materials are analyzed using data derived from the St. John’s site, an early 17th century tobacco plantation which later served as an inn, adjacent to St. Mary’s City. Variation between the Household and the Inn phases of occupation is described, and variation in the locations of activities at the site is demonstrated. However, differences between the Household and Inn occupations appear more subtle and may be due to a number of factors as well as functional variation. The analysis demonstrates the need for more studies of a similar type in order to address differences in function and differences among site occupants.
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King, J.A. A comparative midden analysis of a household and inn in St. Mary’s City, Maryland. Hist Arch 22, 17–39 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03374086
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03374086