The Archaeological Situation at Spiro, Oklahoma; A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Since its discovery and exploitation by commercial diggers in 1933, the unusually rich ceremonial complex of the Spiro Mounds, Leflore County, Oklahoma, has engaged the interest of archaeologists. The importance of the Spiro site to Southeastern archaeology has been recognized, and the science has awaited report of the scientific excavation undertaken by the Work Projects Administration and the University of Oklahoma for a number of years. No comprehensive report on this important area has been published to date.

University of Wisconsin Radiocarbon Dates XVIII

“…Wood charcoal from single component site in LeFlore Co (35° 15' N, 94° 36' 30" W) coil 1939 by K G Orr. Site represents early phase within Fort Coffee focus (Orr, 1946), probably contemporary with Spiro phase at Spiro. Subm by C L Rohrbaugh.…”

The Scott Site, Le Flore County, Oklahoma

“…This ware is similar to the thick clay tempered ware listed as Type No. 1 at the Spiro site in eastern Oklahoma by Orr (1946). It appears to be a common utility ware rather widely distributed throughout eastern Oklahoma.…”

“…A L T H O U G H CONSIDERABLE archaeological excavation has been conducted throughout eastern Oklahoma during the past fifteen years, it is only recently that attempts have been made to present a chronological framework for the area (Orr, 1946;Krieger, 1946Krieger, , 1947Newell and Krieger, 1949;Bell and Baerreis, 1951). Within this framework of prehistory, the latter portions such as those represented by the Gibson and Fulton aspects are probably the best understood.…”

A Preliminary Report on Coastal Tamaulipas, Mexico

“…In a Sanders focus grave there was a trade bowl identir " tied as Monks Mound Red Ware. 24 (Orr, 1946), but was called to my attention at the Caddoan Conference by James B. Griffin. Valley this type is predominantly earlier than the "Cult" material.…”