The entire matrix from two hearth features has been analyzed for botanical and faunal evidence pointing to the subsistence activities associated with the primary Belle Glade Occupation at the Blueberry site (8HG678).  Future summaries will describe this investigation further as will the Phase II site report which will be initiated in January 2009. 

    The botanical analysis of the hearths was conducted by Dr. Rene Bonzani of the Univeristy of Kentucky and the faunal analysis was conducted by Jessica Allgood, MS, RPA who explained in her report that “Analysis of the vertebrate faunal remains recovered during phase II excavations at site 8HG678 gives archaeologists the opportunity to examine the subsistence activities of the occupants of the sites through the analysis of materials recovered from two hearths, Feature 5 and Feature 53.  A moderate sample of faunal remains was recovered from each feature.  Site Feature 5 yielded 1171 faunal remains weighing 101.18 g and Feature 53 yielded 1074 faunal remains weighing 80.66 g.  The total sample included 2245 bones weighing 181.84 g.” (Allgood 2008).

    Following the field collection of the hearth data Ms. Allgood determined that “Faunal remains recovered from the excavations included 2245 bone and teeth fragments weighing 181.84 g. Identifications included one phylum, twelve classes and subclasses, three orders, eight families, seven genera, and 11 species. The sample included species from wild resources from primarily aquatic environments.  Mammals identified in the sample included whitetailed deer, Eastern cottontail rabbit, and tree squirrel (Sciurus sp.). Although no species of bird was identified, medium and small birds were present.  Aquatic species included shellfish, amphibian, turtles, and fish.  One fragment of an indeterminate bivalve was included in the sample.  One amphibian, Great Siren, was identified.  Aquatic turtles included snapping turtle, slider, stinkpot turtle, and Eastern mud turtle.  Fish species included mostly brackish water species, such as bowfin, gar, freshwater drum, a member of the sucker family, blue catfish, channel catfish, black bass, and sunfish.  Saltwater fish included sand tiger shark, a member of the snapper family, and mullet” (Allgood 2008).  The presence of salt and brackish water species in one of these hearths is amazing.  This evidence demonstrates that the prehistoric occupants of the Blueberry site had direct access to trade that provided them with fish from the coast that was fresh enough to cook in their hearths!  This evidence supports other recent discoveries at the site that confirm this interaction such as shark teeth, collumella fragments, and left handed whelk tools.  The extent of this coastal interaction and its orientation are key components to gaining understanding into the interaction patterns of Belle Glade people and this analysis along with future corroborating evidence will be critical as this component of the site is explored further.