Russell Cave National Monument:
The Southeast's Most Complete Record Through Time
by Melanie B. Bradford, Section #6 of 7

The Woodland Indians
(1,000 BC - 800 AD)

With the Woodland period came cultivation. The people began to grow their favorite plants instead of just gathering what nature placed in the forests and meadows. In addition, the invention of the bow and arrow made hunting easier and more effective. The combination of farming with more effective hunting led to the development of permanent villages since the people were not completely dependent upon the nut and berry crops of the forest or the seasonal migration of animals.

During this period, pottery evolved into an art form. The early peoples carved stone effigies of people, animals and symbols and fashioned shells and stones were fashioned into elaborate decorations. The practice of constructing burial mounds also became common.

Other Artifacts

• The Paleo-Indians
• The Archaic Indians
• The Mississippian Indians
• The Real Significance of the Findings

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