Keywords

Ceramic Analysis, Florida Archaeology, INAA, Indian River Lagoon Region

Abstract

This research addresses group interaction and site use of the Burns Site (8BR85). Burns is a Malabar II (900-1565 AD) period site located within the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) region. The site includes a mound with spoke-like burial patterns, midden deposits, and hearth features. Through ceramic analysis, hierarchical clustering, and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), this thesis explores what activities and social relationships are evident in the ceramic assemblage of the Burns Site. Formal and compositional characteristics of pottery sherds may be indicative of pottery use and movement.

Descriptive statistics and correlation found no evidence of standardized local pottery production. Furthermore, the overall form and size of vessels, along with hearth features, suggests that there were no large feasting events. Instead, small meals were prepared and served at the site. To determine chemical composition and provenance, 35 sherds were subjected to INAA. These sherds were clustered into 5 chemical groups, 2 of which were nonlocal to the Indian River Lagoon Region. Nonlocal formal clusters of sherds were estimated, which provide evidence for movement of specific ceramic forms along the Atlantic coast. While there was no evidence of standardized local pottery production, certain vessel forms were being moved to the Burns Site from other regions.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Summer

Committee Chair

Sarah B. Barber

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Anthropology

Degree Program

Anthropology

Format

application/pdf

Release Date

8-15-2025

Length of Campus-only Access

1 year

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Campus-only Access)

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Accessibility Status

Meets minimum standards for ETDs/HUTs

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Restricted to the UCF community until 8-15-2025; it will then be open access.

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