Charred Corncob Artifact

Charred Corncob Artifact

Artifacts

Although organic remains rarely survive at archaeological sites, they can sometimes remain in fragile condition if they have been charred. When Virginia Indians cooked food over a hearth, food occasionally fell into the fire and was preserved because it was burnt. This charred corncob, found at a site in Montgomery County, southwestern Virginia, is an example of food remains from Virginia Indian archaeological sites. By the Late Woodland period, most people in Virginia lived fully sedentary lifestyles, practicing small-scale agriculture. Corn, beans, and squash were among the foods cultivated by these people.

Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Richmond, VA

900 - 1600 C.E.

.JPG, 464 × 260

Image

Montgomery County

Photograph

464 × 260