ABSTRACT
Significance statements express the values of archaeological assemblages and effect the preservation of sites in the United States. Through an evaluation of 219 significance statements from the South Carolina Sandhills, this paper explores trends in the analysis of material culture in Section 106 and Section 110 assessments. A review of archaeological guidelines from 47 states contextualizes the patterns of material culture analysis observed in the Sandhills. This research indicates an overreliance on subjective quantification measures and undefined artifact density calculations fostered by the absence of robust material culture analysis recommendations in state guidelines. A consideration of the impact bias in National Register of Historic Places recommendations suggests that modifications to state guidelines, university curricula, and historic contexts are necessary to address the systems that permit the perfunctory treatment of material culture in compliance archaeology.
Funding Declaration
No funding was received to assist with the preparation of this manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of interest or competing interests are declared.
Data Availability
The data discussed in this paper were generated at the South Carolina Army National Guard. All data supporting the conclusions herein are available from the author upon request.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Rachel Morgan
Rachel Morgan (M.A. 2016, University of York) works at the South Carolina Army National Guard in Columbia completing fieldwork and artifact analysis throughout the state. She is interested in post-contact archaeology, material culture studies, and conflict archaeology.