Cache pit after excavationThe Heath Site (39LN15), located in northeast Lincoln County, was first recorded in 1973 during a cultural resource survey for a transmission line. Work at the site was undertaken in 1974 and 1976 by several investigators including the South Dakota Archaeological Research Center, the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University.
Cache pit after excavation
The 1976 investigations, under the direction of Adrien Hannus, resulted in the complete excavation of one rectangular earthlodge (click for plan) and associated cache pit features located outside the structure. A total of 14 pits were excavated as well as many post holes. Two hearths/burned areas were recorded along with some bone concentrations, rocks and one area of wattle.
Artifacts recovered included 759 lithic flakes, 9 projectile points, 8 scrapers, 2 drills/graver, 2 knives, 12 utilized/retouched flakes and 6 other chipped stone tools. A maul, a hammerstone and three other ground stone items were also recovered.
Several bone tools, including a scapula hoe and several awls, as well as an articulated bison vertebral column, were present. Mussel shell was also noted.
Scapula hoe pedestaled during excavation
Replica of a scapula hoe in use
Ceramics included 6714 bodysherds and 142 rim sherds. A preliminary analysis of the rims was accomplished by students at the University of South Dakota, dividing the assemblage into Great Oasis categories, Sanford categories and miscellaneous.
Two Great Oasis rims from the Heath Site.
Click here to view illustration of Sanford rims from the Heath Site.
