Rock Shelter Pics

[1320]

As many of you have commented on digging the front of rock shelters, wanted to share some images that drive the point home. Most of these rocks were buried under 3 to 4 feet of dug/undug dirt. The exposed areas in these pictures have given up 10 points and 7 scrapers as well as numerous broken artifacts. None of these rocks were visible to us when we began our dig.

 

[quito]

Very Nice!!! And Interesting!

You guys have moved some material!

 

[Gold Maven]

Nice.

Never gave much thought to a rock wo an overhang. hmm.

 

[1320]

You guys have moved some material![/QUOTE]

Indeed!

 

[1320]

It's quite possible that 8 to 10 thousand years of erosion will wipe out an overhang. If so, that explains why some of these shelters are 5+ feet deep. The rocks undoubtedly served as "work benches"...it's very difficult to knap sitting on the ground. A seated and slightly elevated platform works well for providing the leverages needed to work material.

 

[Tony in SC]

That's what I'm talking about. I thought there would be more to it than just a ledge.. I would still look around up top. Good work guys. Tony

 

[NCPeaches]

wow! that's awesome! I have a stupid question...how did you know it was there?

 

[rock]

Nice progress and congrats on the finds

 

[1320]

wow! that's awesome! I have a stupid question...how did you know it was there?

I periodically hike the cliff lines to locate them. Nearly every cliff line has at least one, very easy to find...remembering how to get back is the trick...lol.

 

[quito]

I periodically hike the cliff lines to locate them. Nearly every cliff line has at least one, very easy to find...remembering how to get back is the trick...lol.

That's where the hand held gps works like a charm.

 

[NC field hunter]

Cool! I guess what we see as a shelter, is only half of a shelter. I've heard shelters are like fields. It's nearly impossible to hunt them dry. I see why.

 

[catherine1]

Nice rock shelter dig. Keep us updated. Happy New Year.......

 

[pickaway]

Man looks like a great spot, Gl on future digs!