Cahokia Borrrow Pit 5-1A

Author(s)

Scott J. Demel Ph.D., Northern Michigan UniversityFollow

Journal Title/Source

Illinois Archaeology

Publication Date

2013

Volume

25

Page Numbers

75-105

Document Type

Journal Article

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

Abstract

In 1972 Robert L. Hall conducted a field school to investigate Borrow Pit 5-1A at the Cahokia site. The pit is located southwest of the Grand Plaza just west of Mound 72. Coring, resistivity surveys, and hand excavations were utilized. Results indicated extensive but shallow borrowing, probably for mound construction, over a large area with smaller, deeper excavations in some parts of the pit. Infilling was the product of natural processes and some deposition of domestic and perhaps ritual refuse. The ceramic assemblage suggests the pit was dug in the Terminal Late Woodland period and Lohmann phase, and was in use into the Stirling phase.

Recommended Citation

Demel, Scott J. 2013 Cahokia Borrow Pit 5-1A in Illinois Archaeology, vol. 25: pp. 75-105.