Woodland Period Log Tombs in the Ohio River Valley

Abstract

Since the early twentieth century Adena and Hopewell have been two of the most recognizable social units of the Eastern Woodlands. Mapping and excavations of the mounds constructed by both groups began in the mid-nineteenth century and continued steadily for a century. While the methods were often less systematized, the research gathered the majority of data utilized by archaeologists today to understand the mortuary practices and traditions of these groups. Through this work, log tombs were deemed a diagnostic burial practice of Adena societies of the Early Woodland period (1000 B.C. to A.D. 1), though they continued to be built and utilized by Hopewell societies during the Middle Woodland period (A.D. 1 to 400). To date, research has yet to fully address the diversity in the practice of log tomb construction and use, specifically if this variability aligns to broader trends in the Woodland period. In this thesis, I share the results of archival research through which I historicize the practice of log tomb construction by diachronically evaluating the relationship between construction techniques and mortuary practices to improve our understanding of the course of social complexity in the Eastern Woodlands.