2020 Shell Ring Dig on Pockoy Island Delayed

Fig Island is featured in The Ring People documentary

 The archaeology excavation that was scheduled during the month of May at Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve is now delayed. The dig was scheduled to be open to the public to attend, but social distancing amid the current coronavirus pandemic makes that scenario unwise. Archaeology is the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains. While the study of history is being delayed by the current events making history today, an in-depth documentary video by the South Carolina Humanities Program is now available.

            

Never heard of Pockoy Island? It is more commonly known as the barrier island with the beach frontage at Botany Bay WMA on Edisto Island. Never heard of a shell ring? It’s nothing more than an aggregation of oyster shells that were put in a circular pattern by native Americans that inhabited the Lowcountry. Just what they were up to with this unique design is at the heart the debate which drives this archaeology dig. Never heard of the S.C. Humanities program? Their mission is to increase public understanding of and support for the humanities by telling the human story of the past, and bringing these perspectives to bear on contemporary issues.

Two shell rings were mapped on Pockoy Island in 2017 using a new radar process called Lydar which is able to map elevation changes in areas where visual access is limited due to vegetation growth. Waterfowl enthusiasts recall that Lydar is also being used to identify historic ricefields that are no longer visible from the air. The early native Americans were hunters and gatherers that relied on oysters for food, and then used the shells for other purposes. Anyone that goes for a walk on the beach or shucks open an oyster shell to eat, instantly touches on a shared cultural history with have with the Ring People.

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2019 click on ACE Basin Appreciation - Dolphin Slam - Jim Bost Memorial - Sea Turtle Nesting - Billfish Tourney 

 To view past blog entries from 2018 at Edisto click on Thirsty Whale Tours - I Love Edisto Auction - Jim Bost Memorial - Dolphin Slam - Coastal Geology - Grits Cook Off - Billfish Tourney 

To view past blog entries from 2017 at Edisto click on Holiday Business After Hours - EIOLT Oyster Roast - Billfish Tourney - Bingo - Tomato Open- I Love Edisto Auction - Jim Bost Memorial - Shark Tourney

To view past blog entries from 2016 at Edisto click on Serpentarium - Jim Bost Memorial - Dolphin Slam - Cobia Tourney - Spring Shorebird Synergy - Bovine Bones on Beach - Edisto River book - Billfish Tourney