woodland period moundbuilders of the bluegrass - Kentucky ...

Paired-post enclosures in the Bluegrass ranged in diameter from 26to 116 feet. Size probably was linked to the maximum number of peoplewho routinely used the space. Archaeologists estimate that about 45people could have used the smallest ones. More than 175 could have fitinto the largest.Excavation of this Boone Co. mound revealed the circular, paired-postenclosure built before it. With a 56-ft. diameter, about 95 people could havemet within it.The enclosures clearly lack any evidence for use as a living space.There are no hearths, no trash pits, and no domestic refuse. Instead, theirinteriors contain the remains of clusters of posts; intensively fired patchesof soil; and isolated burial offerings. They also contain clay-lined firebasins where human bodies were cremated; oval pits containing crematedremains; scattered patches or piles of cremated remains; and in-the-fleshburials. Inside one Boone County enclosure, archaeologists documenteda raised clay platform built opposite an east-facing doorway. Benches orseats appear to have been arranged along a section of its perimeter.What did Adena people use these enclosures for? Archaeologists thinkthey probably were special, open-air meeting spaces where Adena groupsheld important ceremonies. The enclosure’s posts would have set up aboundary around this ritual space and helped limit access to it by onlythose directly involved in the ceremonies.24