Eastern and Plains Late Woodland Transitions as Seen at the Lafayette Mound, Northwest Missouri

Abstract

The Lafayette Mound, 23LF3, a burial site which dates to the latter part of the Late Woodland period in northwestern Missouri, provides insight into the poorly-understood geographical area between the Central Plains Late Woodland and Eastern Late Woodland regions. The mound was deflated and partially disturbed, but large portions of it contained intact fill. Diagnostic material indicates the mound was constructed on a previously utilized location. Fill contained artifacts diagnostic of the Early or Middle Woodland period and a Late Woodland occupation area. Human remains were primarily cremated subadults. Associated with these graves were miniature Scallorn projectile points, clay pipes, ochre, hematite objects, and pottery vessels. The mound base contained one hearth feature which is interpreted as a ceremonial or pre-mound feature. Comparisons with adjacent areas indicate that the Lafayette mound is part of a continuum of Late Woodland sites that spans the Central Plains and Eastern Missouri Late Woodland areas.