Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Heckenberger, Michael J.
• Petersen, James B.
• Sidell, Nancy Asch

Titel

EARLY EVIDENCE OF MAIZE AGRICULTURE IN THE CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY OF VERMONT

Ist Teil von

• Archaeology of Eastern North America, 1992-10, Vol.20, p.125-149

Ort / Verlag

Milford, Del., etc: Eastern States Archeological Federation

Erscheinungsjahr

1992

Quelle

Alma/SFX Local Collection

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Investigations at the multi-component Skitchewaug site in southeastern Vermont have yielded unique data regarding the initial adoption of maize cultivation in interior northern New England. Several features representing at least two recurrently used house structures have been identified. These and numerous associated storage/refuse pits are securely dated to ca. A.D. 1100-1350. Analysis of these features indicates that recently introduced non-native cultigens provided a significant supplement to native foodstuffs during the early Late Woodland period. The effects of this agricultural complex on local aboriginal populations during the early second millenium A.D. remain uncertain. It can be argued that maize cultivation led to an increased reliance onfloodplain habitats and over time, increased sedentism. These trends culminated in substantial population aggregation coincident with or immediately prior to European contact in possible correlation with intensified inter-group conflict.