Plan View of Probable Smudge Pit (Post Mold 16) at the White Springs Site
- Title (English):
- Plan View of Probable Smudge Pit (Post Mold 16) at the White Springs Site
- Collection:
- Onöndowa'ga:' (Seneca) Haudenosaunee Archaeological Materials, circa 1688-1754
- Photographer:
- Kurt A. Jordan
- Date:
- 2010-07-14
- Site:
- White Springs
- Location:
- White Springs House 4
White Springs Post Mold 16
White Springs - File Name:
- ws062.jpg
- Work Type:
- maps, diagrams, excavation photos
- Materials/Techniques:
- digital photograph
- Description:
- This image shows a roughly circular, fire-related soil stain (Post Mold 16) when it was first exposed after removal of overlying plow-mixed soil. The stain is just to the left of the black-and-white north arrow, and several flecks of charcoal are visible if the image is examined closely. Although this stain appeared to be the size and shape of an interior support post when first observed, it actually proved to contain a large amount of burned corn cob and cupule fragments. This strongly suggests the feature was used for one or more intentionally smoky fires, perhaps as a smudge pit for smoking hides. The feature was found within the footprint of House 4, but it seems unlikely that an intentionally smoky fire would have been kindled indoors. The pit may have been used before the house was constructed, or after it had gone out of use.
Kurt Jordan, Archaeologist - Notes:
- Images in this digital collection were released earlier than planned to facilitate access during the 2020 period of social distancing. For a full discussion, see https://digital.library.cornell.edu/collections/seneca
- Source:
- Previously unpublished
- Format:
- Image
- Rights:
- This item is protected by copyright, and the copyright holder is their photographer. Cornell is providing access to the materials for research and personal use. The written permission of any copyright and other rights holders is required for distribution, reproduction, or other use that extends beyond what is authorized by fair use and other statutory exemptions. Responsibility for making an independent legal assessment of an item and securing any necessary permissions ultimately rests with persons desiring to use the item. For questions, comments, or feedback about this collection please contact Kurt Jordan in the Cornell Institute of Archaeology and Material Studies with any questions or information about these materials.