Mississippian Connections with Mill Creek and Cambria

Abstract

This paper reviews the evidence for Mill Creek-Cambria interaction in the western Prairie Peninsula with various regional Mississippian polities. Limited evidence in the form of Cambria trade pottery has been reported from at least five Mill Creek sites. Of interest is the extensive presence of Mississippian-inspired pottery and decorative styles at both the Cambria site and many Mill Creek, Initial variant Middle Missouri sites, which suggests that all are examples of regional Stirling horizon activity. Models for Mill Creek-Mississippian contact during the Stirling horizon are reviewed with emphasis on possible roles of Cambria and Mill Creek with regard to Upper Mississippi Valley Mississippian sites. The conclusion reached is that some Initial Middle Missouri tradition-Mississippian contacts such as Mill Creek were substantial and directed by Cahokia elite, while others were developed regionally with specific Mississippian centers, such as Cambria with the Red Wing locality.