Cultural Interaction, Migration, and Displacement: Native Peoples of the Savannah River
The Savannah River acts as the border between the states of Georgia and South Carolina, but in the eighteenth century it acted as a trading area and buffer zone between Native American and European communities. The native groups that occupied these river areas were not a homogenous unit, and displayed great cultural variety; this is especially evident in the construction of ceramics. During the winter of 2010 a study of Native American ceramics began that attempted to both distinguish differences between Native American created wares, and to determine if the effects of cultural interaction, migration, and displacement could be recognized on their pottery. A combination of archaeological methodologies, statistical analyses, and extensive historical research were utilized to reveal differences in ceramic style. These investigations led to a greater understanding of the formation of individual ceramic cultures and aided in the identification of at least one Native American group’s distinct style.
November is Native American Heritage Month, so please join us on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at 2:00 pm at the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library as Maggie M. Needham of Georgia Regents University discusses the cultural history of prehistoric and historic native groups who once lived along the Savannah River. Please call (706) 826-1511 for details.