Professor Jane Eastman and archeology students from Western Carolina University have begun excavating several areas of Cherokee settlement on Lynn Waldroup’s property near the Clay County recreation center. The project follows a similar excavation conducted in the same general area last year. A grant from the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) pays the cost of transportation for the archeology students to commute from their campus in Cullowee. Over time, Clay County’s Cherokee heritage is likely to attract tourists to the area and boost the local economy. The current excavation will last four weeks.
The site being excavated this year includes the remnants of a settlement likely dating from the 13th century before Columbus opened the Western hemisphere to European exploration. One exciting discovery at the site already this year is a small, turquoise-colored glass bead. Native Americans used glass beads manufactured in Europe in trading. Venice, Italy, was an important glass blowing center, and it is possible that this bead comes from there.
The current excavation has also uncovered a subterranean pit that held charcoal. The team is looking for good charcoal samples and traces of organic food. These items can allow radio carbon dating to establish the precise period of human habitation.
Jane Eastman, the leader of the project, is an associate professor at Western Carolina University and the director of the archeology lab and the Cherokee studies program.
The site being excavated this year includes the remnants of a settlement likely dating from the 13th century before Columbus opened the Western hemisphere to European exploration. One exciting discovery at the site already this year is a small, turquoise-colored glass bead. Native Americans used glass beads manufactured in Europe in trading. Venice, Italy, was an important glass blowing center, and it is possible that this bead comes from there.
The current excavation has also uncovered a subterranean pit that held charcoal. The team is looking for good charcoal samples and traces of organic food. These items can allow radio carbon dating to establish the precise period of human habitation.
Jane Eastman, the leader of the project, is an associate professor at Western Carolina University and the director of the archeology lab and the Cherokee studies program.
The turquoise colored bead found at the site
