Semester of Graduation

Spring 2023

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Geography and Anthropology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Situated along the north bank of Bayou Manchac lies the pre- and post-contact Hillman site, 16EBR60. First discovered in 1960 by the landowner, George Menefee, the site was subsequently investigated by Louisiana State University archaeologist Dr. William Haag, who pronounced the site a Marksville village, due to the large number of lithic tools recovered from the site. Subsequent investigations at the site by Surveys Unlimited Research Associates, Inc. (SURA) in 2021 confirmed the Marksville component of the site and found occupation continued into the succeeding Troyville and Coles Creek cultures. The principal research questions asked include: (1) How does the Hillman site relate to other contemporaneous sites identified along Bayou Manchac?; (2) Are the artifacts from Hillman similar to those from other Marksville sites on the bayou or does its size suggest a special function?; (3) Can this site tell us more about the structure and way of life of pre-contact people in south Louisiana? By answering these questions, much can be added to the limited research surrounding village sites dating to the Marksville culture in south Louisiana. Through analysis of the materials recovered from the Hillman site, the Marksville component identified by Haag in 1960 was confirmed, and subsequent occupations during the Troyville and Coles Creek cultures were identified. Subsequent comparison to nearby contemporaneous sites reveal similar ceramic assemblages between Hillman and other sites along Bayou Manchac, but the lithic assemblage presents a striking difference. As lithic assemblages are rare at Marksville village sites, the lithic assemblage at the Hillman village site offers a glimpse into the activities taking place at Marksville village sites in south Louisiana.

Date

4-5-2023

Committee Chair

Saunders, Rebecca

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.5769

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