From a slave cabin site (late 18th, early 19th century), in a clearly defined
pit next to what was probably a door post, the partial burial of a young
racoon. That's the odd part - the burial consisted only of complete skull/jaw
parts and long bones/mandibles. Although we had the entire context in situ and
took the entire pit fill back to the lab for fine sieving there was no trace
of spine ribs or anything else in the middle. Yes the young racoon could have
been a buried pet, but why the decided partiality and suggestive location
(i.e., apotropaic burials near doors/windows at slave cabin sites, etc.) ?
Does anyone know of a "head and hooves" custom for ritual burial in the
American Southeast, any period, or any other comments here that might help
with interpretation. Also, no butchering or cut marks were present, although
this is not terribly significant with an animal this young as it could have
been easily disarticulated simply by pulling apart once skinned.

Thanks for any help.

Maureen Basedow
Visiting Assistant Professor of Archaeology
UNC-Wilmington