Early-Middle Woodland (3,000-1,000 Years Ago)

The Early to Middle Woodland Period is characterized simultaneously by long-distance trade networks and the development of more densely populated areas as people occupied more permanent home settlements. Many groups, including the Wampanoag, amassed larger populations but still moved seasonally, returning to the same locations year after year to acquire resources. During this time, pottery, which had previously been manufactured in a very limited area, became widespread and replaced stone bowls while bows and arrows replaced spears, transforming both hunting and regional conflict.

Items

  • Abrader

    Abrader

    Oblong stone cobble likely used as an abrader (sharpening stone) with long scratches on the surfaces running parallel to the length of the stone and a chipped appearance on one end. Click to Learn More→

  • Native Ceramic Sherd

    Native Ceramic Sherd

    Coarse grit-tempered Native ceramic body sherd with a fabric-impressed pattern on the exterior surface. Click to Learn More→

  • Scraper

    Scraper

    Rhyolite scraper made out of a large primary flake with one curved, sharp working edge and a battered/worked point. Click to Learn More→

  • Meadowood Point

    Meadowood Point

    Dark grey chert Meadowood point (3,300 - 2,700 B.P.) with a convex base, straight sides, and broken tip. Click to Learn More→

  • Orient Fishtail Point

    Orient Fishtail Point

    Dark grey quartzite Orient Fishtail point (3,200 - 2,600 B.P.) with a lanceolate (leaf-shaped) blade, weak shoulders, and a flat base. Click to Learn More→

  • Gorget

    Gorget

    Half of a broken, oval-shaped, banded slate gorget with one hole drilled into it. If complete, there would be a second hole so that the two ends of a cord could be strung through each. Click to Learn More→