Event Title
Deciphering the Past: Using Diagnostic Artifacts to Discover the Purpose of the Indian Landing Site (20BA02)
Presentation Type
Oral and/or Visual Presentation
Presenter Major(s)
History, Anthropology
Mentor Information
Dale Borders
Department
Anthropology
Location
Kirkhof Center 2216
Start Date
11-4-2012 1:00 PM
Keywords
Culture, Historical Perspectives, Social Class
Abstract
Diagnostic artifacts are any artifact found on an archaeological site that can be used to specify the time range and purpose of the site when it was in use. This presentation is focused on diagnostic artifacts from Indian Landing, a multi-component archaeological site in Barry County, Michigan. The research focused on ceramics, coins, buttons, and other artifacts that offered some clue into the occupation and purpose of Indian Landing. Through diagnostic analysis and historical research, several key facts about Indian Landing have been uncovered: that the site had a limited time range of use (at least 1843 to 1865), there was at one time a Native American presence, it was at one time the location of a school house and a mission, it was not occupied by wealthy people, and the site experienced the effects of the Civil War. The research reveals not only the importance, purpose, and time frame of Indian Landing but also the necessity of diagnostic artifacts on archaeological sites.
Deciphering the Past: Using Diagnostic Artifacts to Discover the Purpose of the Indian Landing Site (20BA02)
Kirkhof Center 2216
Diagnostic artifacts are any artifact found on an archaeological site that can be used to specify the time range and purpose of the site when it was in use. This presentation is focused on diagnostic artifacts from Indian Landing, a multi-component archaeological site in Barry County, Michigan. The research focused on ceramics, coins, buttons, and other artifacts that offered some clue into the occupation and purpose of Indian Landing. Through diagnostic analysis and historical research, several key facts about Indian Landing have been uncovered: that the site had a limited time range of use (at least 1843 to 1865), there was at one time a Native American presence, it was at one time the location of a school house and a mission, it was not occupied by wealthy people, and the site experienced the effects of the Civil War. The research reveals not only the importance, purpose, and time frame of Indian Landing but also the necessity of diagnostic artifacts on archaeological sites.