Evidence of ancient fire at mound confirmed by 1500 charcoal samples. Over 1500 charcoal samples found in mound one at University of North Carolina Bear figurine at Valentine Museum shows evidence of high heat - red on one side Fire-cracked rock evidence indicates heating element over 1000°C
Over 1500 charcoal samples found at Garden Creek Mound. A bear figurine shows red coloration from high heat exposure. Fire-cracked rock & structure burning evidence, not just fireplace fire. Samples include pot shards, burnt bones, mica, flint. This heat would have reset thermoluminescence dating on artifacts.
Key Facts
- Over 1500 charcoal samples found in mound one at University of North Carolina
- Bear figurine at Valentine Museum shows evidence of high heat - red on one side
- Fire-cracked rock evidence indicates heating element over 1000°C
- Evidence of structure burning, not just normal fireplace fire
- Charcoal samples include pot shards, burnt animal bones, mica, flint, discolored earth
- The heat would have reset any thermoluminescence dating on artifacts
Related site: Garden Creek site — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Ep. 4 - The Shaman and the Philosopher - Vincent Barrows: Part 2 by Institute for Natural Philosophy