Abstract
Attempting to trace Caddo Origins in Smith County and surrounding counties depends a lot on what we end up defining as Caddo. Separating the Caddo culture from previous cultures in East Texas becomes tedious when trying to fit the available archaeological record to existing models of Woodland cultures. Krieger stated that there was no evidence in East Texas of a Woodland (or Hopewellian) culture, with Mississippian culture beginning as early as 500 B.C. I mention this partly for the sake of argument, but also to point out that in this area there is not such a clearcut difference between the archaeology of Woodland and Early Caddo cultures. If Krieger is correct, it might make better sense to have a Formative phase of Caddo rather than trying to make a Woodland culture fit the transition from Archaic to Caddo. Based on current thinking, Caddo culture developed around A.D. 800-900, based primarily on work conducted at the George C. Davis site. In Smith County there seem to be few sites that fit into what has been termed either the Formative and Early Caddo (A.D. 800-1200) periods or Alto phase sites as defi ned at the Davis site. Rather, in this area, Caddo culture reached a florescence during the following Middle Caddo (A.D. 1200-1400) time period, at least in the number and visibility of sites on the landscape. Then, for reasons that we do not fully understand, this area was apparently abandoned by prehistoric groups.
Highlights
Attempting to trace Caddo Origins in Smith County and surrounding counties depends a lot on what we end up defining as Caddo
Krieger stated (Suhm and Krieger 1954: 158) that there was no evidence in East Texas of a Woodland culture, with Mississippian culture beginning as early as 500 B.C
If Krieger is correct, it might make better sense to have a Formative phase of Caddo rather than trying to make a Woodland culture fit the transition from Archaic to Caddo
Summary
Woodland period (1000-500 B.C. to A.D. 800) is characterized by the introduction of several new technologies: introduction of the bow and arrow, more intensive agriculture in some areas, but there is little evidence to support this in East Texas, and the use of pottery This is in conjunction with a more sedentary lifestyle. Perttula defined this area between the two as being occupied during the Woodland period by the Mill Creek Culture (Perttula and Nelson 2004: 155-170) In this part of East Texas, the Woodland sites differ from Fourche Maline in that they lack the intense middens and large amounts of pottery that otherwise characterize Fourche Maline sites; there are no chipped hoes or Poole pipes. The existence of a dual ceramic tradition on Caddo sites, with both fine and utility ware vessels with contrasting rim and body designs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
