Study of artifacts leads to answers

Zann Miner / Culpeper Star Exponent
Published: May 9, 2007

Last week, I left you with the enticing thought that while planting daffodils or tomatoes, you just might find an Indian artifact. A bit later I will share a story or two of local discoveries. For now I want to talk about something else. Have you ever asked yourself why do we bother looking for these old dirty things- What possible value could they hold- I may not change your opinion of what appears to be simply old rocks and rusty metal, but don't discount their worth until you have heard me out.

The American Indians did not have a written language. The accounts of trade routes and commerce, farming practices, births and deaths, location of home sites, conflicts with other peoples and manufacturing techniques were not recorded. It might be said that as a society they were an excellent example of oral communication.

Their ancient heritage was conveyed from generation to generation through the spoken word. As part of maturation children were taught such skills as flint knapping, hunting, farming, basket weaving and tanning leather.

It most likely never occurred to them that there would come a time when the teaching of the family history and societal heritage would not only be difficult but also often forbidden.

The absence of a written history combined with the practices designed to eradicate the culture and dissolve the cohesiveness of the American Indian creates gaping holes in the database of Virginia history.

But inquiring minds want to know and hopefully they want to know the truth, not a Hollywood version. But where do we go, who can we ask- The answer for the most part is in the study of the artifacts left behind. They can tell all kinds of stories.

The discovery of a midden-a relatively large deposit of shells and animal bones- usually indicates the location of a village or human settlement. Large numbers of projectiles- a stone, bone or metal point used to strengthen the tip of a spear or arrow- found in a particular site might indicate a village or more likely a manufacturing site. This site might be associated with a nearby village or convenient meeting ground for trade. The finding of a single projectile indicates an area or path used by the early natives for hunting. A good place to look for projectiles is along a stream crossing after a rain. Common sense prevails when animals and early Americans alike sought the most advantageous crossing and more than likely it remains the best place to cross.

Why would you find a projectile at this spot- Think about it for a moment. If you stopped to get a drink of water or had to jump across a creek, is it possible that you would lose something from your pocket-

Tools tell a much deeper story. Made of stone they were not easily transported. If you found a large cache of tools, it would be a strong indication of a village site. Isolated tools would be found nearby.

The type of stone as well as the quality of the workmanship by comparison with other found items are informative. Is the stone native or was it "traded in-" If it is stone only found in another region, say west of the Blue Ridge, one could surmise the existence of trade.

What if you found an object made of iron, a super clue that indicated contact with the Europeans- Be careful of jumping to conclusions: the contact could have been hostile or peaceful and may have involved other tribes from another region trading in the object.

Researchers examine the artifacts to discover the animals that were hunted (the larger the animal the larger the projectile), the types of crops that were grown and cooked, size and location of the village, evidence of trade and ceremonial or spiritual practices.

Once these primary resources are found and documented, other research is conducted to add to or corroborate findings.
At the end of the day, there exists a more informative history of the people and the area.

There are a couple of very exciting things going on in Virginia that will ultimately provide more information. As one of eight native tribes currently recognized by Virginia the Monacan Indians, ancestors of the local Manahoacs, are studying and researching their heritage.

The Liberty Heritage Society Museum has opened in Warrenton depicting the 400 years of European and Native life in the Americas including a history of the Manahoac Indians that lived along the Rappahannock River. The vast collection of Virginia Indian artifacts was excavated from a village site thought to be one of the four mentioned by John Smith. Call the museum at 540-347-7785 for information.

I will have to bring you the stories of local discoveries at another time.

Until next week.

Zann Miner, former director of the Museum of Culpeper History, can be reached at . Check out her history blog at StarExponent.com.