Larry J. Zimmerman

The Crow Creek Massacre: Initial Coalescent warfare and speculations about the genesis of Extended Coalescent

AbstractEvidence of substantial malnutrition caused Gregg and Zimmerman (1986) and Zimmerman and Bradley (1 986) to suggest that the fourteenth century, Initial Coalescent tradition Crow Creek mass...

Ante-Mortem Osteopathology At Crow Creek

In the mid-fourteenth century/ over 486 individuals apparently were massacred at the Crow Creek Site (39 BF 11), located on the east bank of the Missouri River in South Dakota. During the analysis of the skeletons, a search was made for evidence of diseases, anomalies, and abnormalities which had affected these people during life and had left an imprint upon their bones. The salient pathology is tabulated here, discussed briefly, and illustrated. Because these people had apparently lived and died together in a pre-White contact Initial Coalescent variant village and were probably ancestral to the Arikara, data obtained from this study could provide valuable baseline information for comparison with other studies in paleopathology from the Dakotas.

Otolaryngic Osteopathology in 14th Century Mid-America The Crow Creek Massacre

Over 486 people were massacred and buried communally at the Crow Creek Village Site, South Dakota, about 1350 AD. Osseous pathology in the craniofacial area of the victims skeletons is reviewed and compared to data from other indigenous skeletal populations past and present. The Crow Creek mastoid x-rays are analyzed and compared to four other studies which span over 1000 years of Dakota Territory history. Findings regarding external auditory canal exostoses in the different groups are compared. Unusual findings in the craniofacial area are assessed. Insight into longitudinal epidemiology in one portion of the U.S. is possible through this study.

Malnutrition in Fourteenth-Century South Dakota: Osteopathological Manifestations

Analysis of mutilated skeletons representing people massacred at the fourteenth-century Crow Creek village on the Missouri River bluffs in central proto-South Dakota provided information implicating metabolic deficiencies as significant factors in the catastrophe. Prominent findings were: lines in long bones indicating metabolic stress during growth; superior orbital plate, skull surface, and long bone changes attributable to iron deficiency anemia; decreased bone cortex density and marrow space modifications suggesting the effect of anemia or malnutrition; surface markings near juvenile long bones growth plates from ongoing protein-calorie depletion or scurvy; focal changes suggesting previous scurvy complicated by hemorrhages at bones surfaces; and bone surface markings commensurate with recent hemorrhages, implying active scurvy. Osseous alterations unusual in iron deficiency anemia, “hair standing on end” changes and poorly developed paranasal sinuses, were in a few skull radiographs. All these findings strengthen the hypothesis that the villagers had undergone periodic deprivation of foodstuff during their lives, and were in a marginal state of nutrition at the time of death.

Settlement-Subsistence Variability In the Glenwood Locality, Southwestern Iowa

Central Plains tradition settlement distribution in Southwest Iowa is poorly understood. Patterns of both nucleated and dispersed forms seem to be represented. The known distribution in the Glenwood locality is examined and an algorithm presented that could explain the existing variability. Initial locality occupants relied heavily on hunting and gathering with minimal horticulture during the Neoatlantic climatic episode. Isolated homesteads were an efficacious adaption. During the dryer Pacific climatic episode attendant reduction of natural resources forced intensified horticulture which eventuated a more nucleated settlement pattern.

Plains archaeology on the web

Interact sites on the World Wide Web containing information on Plains archaeology are surveyed and evaluated. At present the web is not being used to its full potential by archaeologists. Most sites contain basic administrative information for various organizations or are geared to public education. Various reasons why archaeologists hesitate to use the web for dissemination of research are discussed The authors comment on the Internets potential as research medium for archaeology in the near future.

Reflections on the issues: Implications for the scholarly disciplines

Abstract The First Intercongress of the World Archaeological Congress focused on archaeological ethics and the treatment of the dead. The Intercongress developed from an intense concern by both archaeologists and indigenous peoples to work toward resolution of the reburial issues. The meeting ended in the adoption of the Vermillion Accord, a six-clause document that may provide a foundation of mutual respect so that compromises can be formed. The Accord challenges archaeologists and anthropologists to change their views of human remains as an area of study. Interpretation of the document suggests how attitudes and methods must change if scholars are to comply with the principles of the Accord.