RAW MATERIALS AND TOOLS
In this verdant environment, vines, grasses, palms, and estuarine rushes provided diverse materials that were utilized for rigid- or flexible-walled constructions. Reduced clam shells bearing spokeshave-like divots suggest service as fine-gauge hand tools used in the preparation of green media.
V-shaped indentions at the ends of halved long bones also suggest use as stripping or strand-evening implements. Twisted cordage impressions can measure as narrow as 1.5 mm and flatter twill strands as narrow as 4 mm.
PURPOSEFUL OR INCIDENTAL IMPRESSIONS
Employed as a visual marker of social membership, Ocmulgee (A.D. 900-1250) (A), and St. Marys (A.D. 1250-1500) (B), potters intentionally rolled cordage-wrapped dowels or bones over the surfaces of wet-clay pots. The impressions are continuous and not broken by paddle edges. To further identify their individual vessels, Ocmulgee potters used different cordage spacing, angles, and widths to finish appliquéd rim strips. Distinct appliqué depths also show a variety of styles. More uniformly built and decorated St. Marys vessels lack rim appliqués.
In contrast to intentional cordmarking, vague impressions found on vessel bases, appear on St. Johns and sand-tempered sherds. These impressions may be the result of building the vessel as it sat on a coiled-fiber base or placing a newly completed pot on a woven surface to dry. Though vague, measurable data and twist direction can still be recorded.
