The Role of Pottery in Shenks Ferry Mortuary Features at the Mohr Site

Abstract

Using the Mohr Site as a case study, this project examines the role of pottery in Shenks Ferry mortuary features. Following an analysis of the mortuary pottery, the resulting information is compared with pottery from the general site assemblage as well as with descriptions of pottery from other Shenks Ferry sites. In addition, an inventory of the Mohr Site grave good assemblage has been created. The assemblage at the Mohr site is especially rich and is particularly noteworthy given the nature and number of the burials discovered; no other current collection has as much variety or quantity as is seen at this site. The pottery recovered from Mohr exhibits characteristics typical of pottery found at other Shenks Ferry Sites and in other Shenks Ferry burials. The ceramic evidence challenges the traditional assumption that the Mohr site is a transitional Lancaster-Funk Phase site. Likewise, the length of time this site was occupied is also debatable. Mortuary vessels at Mohr are predominately associated with extended burials oriented to the east. There are also correlations between mortuary vessels types and age and sex. Possible connections between other grave goods and age, sex, and body position and between body position and season of interment are also discussed. Additional research employing methods such as residue analysis to compare information regarding the contents of the mortuary and non-mortuary Mohr Site pottery as well as further evidence produced by additional excavations or more in-depth analysis of current grave material collections will provide further insight into Shenks Ferry mortuary ritual and is necessary in order to fully understand this site and its place in the chronology of the Shenks Ferry Complex.