What Are the Burnt Rock Mounds of Texas?

Abstract

In the Edwards Plateau and Trans-Pecos regions of southwestern Texas are a large number of archaeological sites which have been referred to as “burnt rock mounds.” Although this name is now well established in the archaeological literature of Texas, one looks in vain for a satisfactory statement concerning the origin and nature of these rather unusual sites. Quite a number have been excavated, but as yet few detailed reports on individual sites have appeared. The authors of recent reports assume that the term “burnt rock mound” is well understood and, although implying that it represents a distinct culture trait, do not explain what it means. It is evident that many archaeologists do not understand its meaning, for at recent archaeological meetings outside of Texas the writers of this paper have frequently been asked, “Just what is a burnt rock mound?” In view of this, it seems advisable to put on record a brief summary of what is known at present about the formation of these sites.

The Fort Sam Houston Project: An Archaeological and Historical Assessment

“…The function of the burned rock middens of central Texas has not yet been resolved. Following is a partial list of discussions and theories: Kelley and Campbell (1942), Suhm (1959Suhm ( , 1960, Honea (1961). Kelly (1961), Johnson et ai.…”

Intensive Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed Wurzbach Parkway Extension Project from Blanco Road to Wetmore Road, Bexar County, Texas

“…Later Middle Archaic projectile point styles represent another shift in lithic technology (Collins 2004;Johnson and Goode 1994:27). At the same time, a shift to more-xeric conditions saw the burned rock middens develop, probably because intensified use of a specific resource (geophytic or xerophytic plants) or resource patches meant the debris of multiple rock ovens and hearths accumulated as middens on stable to slowly aggrading surfaces, as Kelley and Campbell (1942) suggested many years ago. Johnson and Goode (1994:26) believe that the dry conditions promoted the spread of yuccas and sotols, and that it was these plants that Middle Archaic peoples collected and cooked in large rock ovens.…”

Significance Testing of Site 41KM225, Kimble County, Texas

“…Later Middle Archaic projectile point styles (Nolan and Travis) represent another shift in lithic technology (Collins 1995:384;Johnson and Goode 1994:27). At the same time, this shift to drier conditions saw the burned rock middens develop, probably because intensified use of geophytic or xerophytic plants meant the debris from multiple rock ovens and hearths accumulated as middens on stable to slowly aggrading surfaces, as Kelley and Campbell (1942) suggested many years ago. Johnson and Goode (1994:26) believe that the dry conditions promoted the spread of yuccas and sotols, and that it was these plants that Middle Archaic peoples collected and cooked in large rock ovens.…”