Sarasota(USA): evidence of 1,300-year-old village
Carlos R. Munoz
Evidence of a civilization that existed more than 1,300 years ago was unearthed in less than 20 centimeters of soil Monday at Philippi Estate Park in Sarasota.
A thick shell showing signs of wear is believed to be a “quahog anvil chopper,” according to interim Sarasota County archaeologist Steve Koski, thought to be from the Manasota Period — 1,300 to 2,500 years ago.
“It's got some wear on one side that could have been used for pounding or chopping,” Koski said on first glance. “It's got some wear on the top side where it could have been used as an anvil or a hard service.
“There is evidence that this particular tool or this particular specimen of shell has been used for a tool.”
Archaeologists were confident that artifacts from three different time periods — the Archaic, 3,000 years ago; Manasota; and 20th-century — could be concealed beneath the soil at the park west of South Tamiami Trail, and south of Phillippi Creek.
“Right now we are focusing on the midden site from the Manasota Period. Manasota are Native Americans who lived a couple thousand years ago in this area,” said Dr. Uzi Baram, professor of anthropology and director of public archaeology at New College of Florida.
“They lived in small villages where there would be an accumulation of material. We call that accumulation a midden.”
Sarasota County bought the land in 1986 and evidence of habitation was found in the park during an excavation in 1988, which Baram said was studied to determine dig locations.
“The process is very straightforward using shovels and trowels,” Baram said. “We excavate in a controlled manner so that we know exactly where we are on a map. All the dirt is screened using mesh with several people looking to collect all the materials.”
All shells and tools collected from holes are marked in 10-centimeter increments.
Students from New College will begin cleaning the material collected during the spring semester, Baram said. Some of those items will be returned to Phillippi Estate Park for public display.
Dozens of local residents surrounded three dig sites on Monday, including local history buff Wayne Hall of Sarasota, who brought items he found in Sarasota County with him to be identified.
“I'm into this stuff,” Hall said. “I've came out here and found (tools) on the top of the ground. It's neat to put your hands on something that you know 1,300 years ago someone had their hands on it.”
The excavation continues today, and is open to the public.