Pockoy: What Shell Rings Can Say about Cultures of the Past
School Name
South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Sociology
Presentation Type
Mentored
Abstract
Shell rings are a subset of Native American Architecture that are not widely recognized. They represent a transition between migratory and sedentary cultures because they are early signs of permanent habitation, social structure, and large, interacting populations. Pockoy is a shell ring that was uncovered by Hurricane Matthew and coastal erosion. It was excavated in spring 2018 and is currently undergoing analysis. Study of one section reveals abundant faunal remains, as well as shell and bone tools and early evidence of pottery. The pottery was washed and sized according to DAACS standards. Periwinkles, cockles, and oyster were found en masse, as well as remains of fish, deer, turtle, crab, and sawfish. The whelks excavated showed evidence of use as axe heads and drills, as well as bone pins that could have been used to hold hair or clothing, or as part of a fish hook. The pottery found was either plain or decorated with a shell punctate method. Faunal and botanical remains have not been analyzed outside of shellfish. An unusual amount of shell beads were also found.
Recommended Citation
Fulcher, Eugenia, "Pockoy: What Shell Rings Can Say about Cultures of the Past" (2019). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 143.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2019/all/143
Location
Founders Hall 251 A
Start Date
3-30-2019 9:00 AM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
Group Project
No
Pockoy: What Shell Rings Can Say about Cultures of the Past
Founders Hall 251 A
Shell rings are a subset of Native American Architecture that are not widely recognized. They represent a transition between migratory and sedentary cultures because they are early signs of permanent habitation, social structure, and large, interacting populations. Pockoy is a shell ring that was uncovered by Hurricane Matthew and coastal erosion. It was excavated in spring 2018 and is currently undergoing analysis. Study of one section reveals abundant faunal remains, as well as shell and bone tools and early evidence of pottery. The pottery was washed and sized according to DAACS standards. Periwinkles, cockles, and oyster were found en masse, as well as remains of fish, deer, turtle, crab, and sawfish. The whelks excavated showed evidence of use as axe heads and drills, as well as bone pins that could have been used to hold hair or clothing, or as part of a fish hook. The pottery found was either plain or decorated with a shell punctate method. Faunal and botanical remains have not been analyzed outside of shellfish. An unusual amount of shell beads were also found.
