from David Anderson's Stallings Type Descriptions

Background

The type Stallings Punctate was first defined by Griffin (1943). Distinguishing linear separate from drag and jab punctations derives from the work of Michael Trinkley, who demonstrated the temporal and spatial (i.e., distributional) significance of differing surface finish attributes within the Thom's Creek series in the 1970s (Trinkley 1976, 1980a, 1980b). Within the Stallings series this distinction has been demonstrated to have temporal and spatial (i.e., distributional) significance by Sassaman (1993). See also discussion for Stallings Plain.

Sorting Criteria

Trinkley (1980b:15):

Linear rows of reed punctations formed by jabbing the reed tool into the plastic clay and then dragging to the next punctation. This forms lines of decoration which may resemble incising if the tool was small and the spacing of the jabs close together.

Typically applied in rows parallel to the rim; curvilinear or geometric arrangements less common. Fiber vesicules throughout the paste, typically visible on both the interior and exterior vessel surface regardless of the extent of smoothing. May be confused with Thom's Creek Reed Drag and Jab Punctate, which may have incidental fiber inclusions, or exterior fiber-like impressions resulting from placement of the wet vessel on plant materials prior to firing.

Distribution

Found throughout the Coastal Plain, Fall Line, and lower Piedmont of eastern Georgia, and western South Carolina to the Santee River. Very little decorated Stallings pottery has been reported to the northeast of the Santee drainage, and it is uncommon even along this drainage. Greatest incidence from the Ogeechee to Edisto Rivers.

Chronological Position

Late Archaic period (ca. 2500BC-1000BC).

Primary References

Claflin (1931:Plate 14); Fairbanks (1942); Griffin (1943, 1945); Sears and Griffin (1950); Caldwell (1952); Williams (1968); Stoltman (1972, 1974).