Blueberry’s Progression

By David Butler, MA, RPA

Currently labwork and fieldwork are progressing with artifacts from TU1 and TU2 being dried (level by level and quad by quad) and excavation of the third judgmental 2X2 meter test unit (TU3) being undertaken. Thus far the stratigraphy, artifacts, and features observed in TU3 are consistent with evidence from the first two test units (TU1 & TU2) and with the test pit (shovel test) results/evidence. Specifically, this unit contains a dense dark midden strata marked by an abundance of faunal material, pottery, and features (post molds, hearths, and pits) overlaid by a lighter midden with a related but less dense artifact assemblage. This consistency is continuing to demonstrate broad scale continuity across this 60 acre-plus landscape containing this significant village site. The upper 50 centimeters of TU3 has produced 14 features (11 post molds, 2 hearths, and one pit), two diagnostic projectile points (Pinellas points found insitu), several lithic flakes (finish flakes and one lateral thining flake), and an abundance of pottery sherds (dozens of Belle Glade rim and body fragments).

The most unique and fascinating component of this unit has been the discovery of a series of at least ten post molds that form a discernable pattern. They appear to form the corner of a structure that had walls running roughly north/south and east/west. If this orientation holds true as more evidence is discovered, this would align the structure with the termination of the Lake WalesRidge to the east and south. In order to gain as much insight into this pattern as possible, chemical testing of the soil inside and outside this probable structure is being conducted by Dr. Christian Wells (USF Archaeologist). Dr. Wells visited the site and took samples to test for variations in phosphorus levels in the soil from inside and outside the possible structure. His important work at the site demonstrates the significance of soil chemistry as a valuable piece of evidence that can be used to complement the interpretation of human behavior at the Blueberry site. This is significant to our understanding of human behavior at the site because differential phosphorous amounts between these areas of the unit may serve as indicators of a structure with a roof associated with the line of posts. Upcoming research will provide the information needed to confirm or disprove the working hypothesis that suggests we have found the corner of a structure in TU3. Happy New Year.