Journal of the Iowa Archeological Society
Volume 34, 1987
Stephen C. Lensink, Editor
The Keystone site (13JK23) is a multicomponent rockshelter located in the southwest corner of Jackson County, Iowa. This report summarizes the results of testing that was conducted at the site in 1975 by members of the Charles R. Keyes Chapter of the Iowa Archeological Society under the supervision of the author. The principal results attained to date include the following: (1) the deposit is stratigraphically separable into two cultural horizons representing the Archaic and Woodland periods; (2) the site contains the first excavated Iowa examples of Dalton and Fayette points as well as three other poorly known types attributed to the Woodland period; (3) four different ceramic wares are represented in the Woodland horizon dating from early Middle to Late Woodland times; and (4) Nansel (1976) has reported that the site contains a record of climatic and environmental change consistent with the model proposed by Bryson et al. (1970). Work conducted at the site thus far is sufficient to demonstrate the importance of the deposit and to warrant further attempts at preservation and/or data recovery in the future.
Two multicomponent, stratified, short-term sites on terraces on the Cedar River have distinct site functions. Subsistence remains were not recovered at the sites, and the suggested economic orientations of the sites are based on the artifact classes recovered and on site catchment analysis. 13BH30 has a high frequency of cutting and scraping tools and is likely to be a plant and animal processing site focusing on riverine resources. Middle Archaic-Early Woodland, Early Woodland, early Late Woodland, and Oneota components are represented at 13BH30. An undated aceramic component and Middle Woodland and Late Woodland components are present at 13BH48. Stone tools, flaking debris, and ceramics occur in low frequencies. The artifact assemblage is dominated by fire-cracked rock, indicating that thermal processing activities were an important aspect of site function.
Cultural relationships between the Nebraska phase and the Mississippian tradition have been suggested by the frequent use of the term "Mississippian Influences." This study tests the validity of the Mississippian Influences concept as it applies to the effigy complex and certain exotic vessel forms associated with these effigies in the Nebraska phase.
Spatial, temporal, and contextual evidence is provided which isolates certain effigies and vessels from the greater multi-dimensional problems of Nebraska phase-Mississippian relationships. Data are presented which link the Nebraska phase with the southern section of the central Mississippi Valley subarea, the Caddoan area, and the Spiro-Southeastern Ceremonial complex. Evidence is also presented which suggests Nebraska phase-Southwestern contacts. Finally, the study provides the necessary background data to isolate future research directions from the larger problem of Nebraska phase-Mississippian relationships.
An intensive surface collection of a suspected single component Late Woodland site in southeastern Iowa has produced distributional patterns suggesting the location of subsurface features.
Late Woodland ceramics encountered at several lower Skunk valley sites are described and illustrated. Henry ware, with its component types, Henry Cordwrapped Stick and Henry Tool Impressed, is the proposed classification for the early Late Woodland ceramics of this region. The lower Skunk valley specimens are discussed in relation to other southeastern Iowa finds, and suggestions for future research are offered.
Book Reviews
William T. Billeck, Ed.
pp. 63-69
Journal of the Iowa Archeological Society
Webpage by Heidi M. Thunhorst, September 3, 2002.