The "Big House" At Whistling Elk Village (39HU242)

Geophysical Findings and Archaeological Truths

Datos Bibliográficos

ID9216618
AutoresDennis L Toom (Anthropology Research, Department of Anthropology, University of North Dakota, P.O. Box 7094, Grand Forks, ND 58202-7094; (701) 777-2437; .), Kenneth L Kvamme (0000-0002-9094-0156, Weatherford College), Kenneth L L Kvamme (Department of Anthropology & Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies, Old Main 330, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701; (501) 575-4130; .)
Año2002
Volumen47
Número180
Páginas5-16
Fecha de publicación2002-02-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessNo
TipoARTICLE
RevistaPlains Anthropologist (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0032-0447 • E-ISSN: 2052-546X
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/2052546.2002.11932104
OpenAlexW2460245473
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas9
Referencias citadas5

Magnetic gradiometry and electrical resistivity surveys carried out at the site of Whistling Elk (39HU242), a fortified earthlodge settlement of the Plains Village tradition, Initial Coalescent variant (ca AD 1300), unambiguously defined numerous features including fortification ditches, bastion loops, and houses. One anomaly group was particularly noteworthy because it suggested an unusually large house measuring approximately 100m2, 3-4 times larger than houses known through excavation or other ones apparent in the geophysical evidence at the site. Its shape and interior features were uncharacteristically well defined, despite nearly a meter of overburden. Test excavations were conducted to verify the nature of the anomalies and to acquire evidence about the function of this structure. Three hypotheses are examined concerning this "Big House": it was a ceremonial lodge, a communal lodge, or a high-status dwelling. Owing to the discovery of numerous domestic artifacts and food remains on its floor, the last two hypotheses gain favor

Archaeology · Excavation · Geography · Settlement (finance) · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Geology · Geology and Paleoclimatology Research · Image Processing and 3D Reconstruction