The Archaeology of the Yakima ValleySmith, Harlan Ingersoll
History
The Archaeology of the Yakima Valley
Smith, Harlan Ingersoll
Yakima River Valley (Wash.) -- Antiquities
Grave No. 15. Cremation circle excavated on June 10, 11
and 12. Shown from the east in photograph No. 44494, 5-7.
It is 56 feet west of grave No. 14 and further up the
terrace. The outside circle of stones measured 15 feet
north and south by 15 feet east and west. The next circle
of stones measured 9 feet north and south by 9 feet east
and west. The space inside the stone circle measured 7
feet north and south by 7 feet east and west. The depth
varied from 2 feet 6 inches in the east and south parts
to 4 feet in the north and west parts below all of which
was a pitching layer of basaltic rocks. The three rings
of stones surrounded a hollow. The inner row was about 12
inches lower than the outer ring. Several boulders were
found in the grave. Ashes and lava composed the grave
soil. The whole cremation circle seemed to have been the
burned remains of a communal or family depository for the
dead, probably a hut like an underground winter house
walled around the edge of the roof with stones. Two
skeletons were found on the bottom, apparently not
burned, but much decayed. They were discarded. Numbers
202-8175 to 202-8182 were found in this grave.
202-8175. Charcoal was abundant but most of it was found
about 14 inches deep.
202-8176. Broken and charred human bones of about twelve
individuals were found throughout the grave in a space
about 8 by 5 feet beginning at the east inner ring of
stones and extending beyond the second circle on the
west. They were found from 8 inches deep to parts of the
bottom.
202-8177. Dentalium shells were very abundant.
202-8178. Engraved dentalium shells (Fig. 118).
202-8179. Several kinds of shell ornaments were found in
the northern and northwestern parts of the grave.
202-8180. Several burned pieces of shell.
202-8181. One piece of metal, probably copper.
202-8182. Several pieces of shell of different kinds.
* * * * *
Grave No. 16. Shallow cremation circle, 13 feet north and
south by 14 east and west (outside); 5 feet north and
south by 7 feet east and west (inside). Charred human
bones of a child about 10 years old were found.
* * * * *
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