The completion of the Phase I site report has set precedent for the Phase II research design establishing protocol for excavation, lab processing, and analysis. Thus far, the Phase II includes five 2X2 meter block units. Research thus far has resulted in the discovery of over 100 intact features. These features include storage pits, hearths, and post molds. Initial analysis of these feature categories confirms that storage pits were used for storing significant objects such as the whelk tool discovered in a pit feature from Test Unit 5.
Hearths and post molds are useful indicators of cultural behavior at the site and they are also significant because they point to the integrity of the site. Integrity has also been demonstrated by 8 AMS C14 dates (3 of which were paid for by Rollins College). The associated dates are consistent with the stratigraphy at the site and establish a preliminary chronology for the Belle Glade occupation.
The Phase II will also prioritize seeking out Archaic (and possibly earlier) occupations at the site and at least one promising area will be targeted for this upcoming research. The Field Specimen Log for the Phase II has been initiated and artifacts are being sorted and weighed according to the lab protocol established by the phase I. This consistency will facilitate the ability to relate these two phases of research to the overall agenda at the site which is to ethically and responsibly learn as much as possible about the site while striving to educate the public about our discoveries and provide educational opportunities.
This year we will showcase the Blueberry Site at the annual Florida Anthropological Society meeting with two papers. One will focus on the three-dimensional laser scanning project at Mound A and the other will report on the context and comprehensive botanical and faunal analysis of two hearths from Test Unit 3.
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped get the ball rolling for the Phase II analysis in the lab last month and as always thank you to our generous hosts the Reynolds who provide the platform for KVAHC as a vehicle for Public Archaeology in South-Central FloridaWe are currently creating content for this section. In order to be able to keep up with our high standards of service, we need a little more time. Please stop by again. Thank you for your interest!
