With
this clever new look at Lowcountry history M. Patrick Hendrix
demystifies archaeology and takes us on a fast-paced romp through more
than 50,000 years.
Drawing on the results of archaeological studies at a wide variety of
sites, Hendrix discusses key finds and sets them in context. The
discovery of a mineralized mastodon bone from Edisto Island offers a
glimpse into the Paleoindian period; the brick and earthen
fortifications that protected Colonial Charleston make clear how
vulnerable early Colonists felt. Slave cabins, "colonoware" pottery,
and the remains of foods found on the Lynch Plantation in Christ Church
Parish demonstrate the continuation of West African customs that was
seen on many early rice plantations; ceramics found at the Miles
Brewton house illustrate the extreme wealth enjoyed by some
eighteenth-century Charlestonians. Early work on the H.L.Hunley
indicated immediately the technological sophistication of the vessel;
recent work on Morris Island underscores the tremendous historic
significance of this barrier island and has contributed to recognition
that it should be protected.
With a missionary zeal to preserve the integrity of sites during the
explosive growth of the twenty-first century, Hendrix is sure to
inspire in readers his conviction that knowledge of our past
illuminates our future.
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Down and Dirty
Archaeology
of the South Carolina Lowcountry
by
M. Patrick Hendrix
The
History Press, 2006.
Order
a copy
|
