Beyond Salt: Organic Residue Evidence for Food Preparation in Fabric-Impressed Pans from Middle Tennessee
Presentation
Overview
Overview
Description
Large pans, often bearing exterior fabric impressions, are common at indigenous salt-making sites throughout the Mississippian Southeast and Midwest. These vessels, sometimes over 1-2 cm thick and tempered with coarsely ground shell, were durable enough to withstand prolonged exposure to fire, and their wide openings served to facilitate the evaporation of brine. As a result of these qualities, they are sometimes referred to as “saltpans” or “salt pans.” Although these are among the most durable precolonial ceramic vessels made in North America, they are still prone to cracking and breakage over time, especially with reuse, making it common to find large quantities of pan sherds at salt production sites. Although traditionally associated with brine reduction, “salt pans” are also found at sites without nearby sources of salt or at sites with weak saline springs. This is particularly evident in the Middle Cumberland region (MCR) of Middle Tennessee.Given the presence of these vessels at such sites, it is clear that our understanding of their function(s) remains incomplete.
