I recently excavated a trash pit at a ca.1918 mining site in
north-central Washington.  Does anyone have any good references on
the archaeology of this type of site?
 
Also, I found some pieces of what may be burned ceramic or plaster in
the pit.  The pit was most likely an adit that the mining
camp occupants filled up with trash and periodically burned (nice
layers of burn and fill showed up in the profile).  The lowest layers
of the pit (about 1 meter below surface) contain the most
heat-damaged artifacts, including pieces of white/off-white, flat,
platy, 1/4-inch-thick material that resembles styrofoam in
cross-section.  The density of these objects is consistent with the
other ceramics (crocks, plates, jugs) found at the site, but has a
much more cracked appearance along the fracture edges.  Could these
be burned ceramics or plaster, or something else I haven't thought
of?
 
Thanks in advance for your help!
- Linda
 
 
 
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Linda C. Naoi Goetz
Research Archaeologist
Historical Research Associates, Inc.
119 Pine Street, Suite 207
Seattle, WA  98101
206.343.0226
206.343.0249 (fax)
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http://www.hrassoc.com
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