Anatomy, function, age, and distribution of slot trenches: an American Bottom enigma

Slot trenches, often referred to as "truss trenches," have been identified at 11 sites in the American Bottom. They occur in groups, pairs, or as isolated trenches. They have confounded researchers as to their age and function. They contain few diagnostic materials and even fewer carbonized remains for radiocarbon dating. Wittry argued that they represent supports for burial platforms and that they date to the Late Woodland period. This paper proposes another scenario: that they represent specialized nut cache pits that may date in some cases to the Early Woodland, Marion Culture. One new date from a lower zone in a trench from the Earl Kolmer site may support an Early Woodland affiliation in the region.