The Maritime Research Division worked with SCIAA Research Division's Dr. Chester DePratter as well as diving volunteers to conduct a week-long underwater investigation and surface collection from a site in the Combahee River in June of 2013 and again in June 2014. The team are looking for evidence of a late 17th century Yemasee Indian village believed to be eroding out of the river bank. Side-scan sonar operations were conducted first to analyze the before diving operations began as well as information provided from a 1975 SCIAA underwater survey of the area. The team was specifically interested in Yemasee-made pottery, of which they found almost exclusively. Diving and dredging operations in June of 2014 yielded more evidence of the site as the team tried to identify a more precise location of the where the erosion orignated.
Related Information
2013. DePratter, Chester B. "Underwater Archaeology on the Combahee River." Legacy. Vol. 17, No. 2. November. South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology. University of South Carolina. Columbia, South Carolina. pp. 10-11.
2013. DePratter, Chester. "Observations on a Black Water Dive Adventure." Quarterly Reporter. Vol. 4, Iss. 2. July. Maritime Research Division. South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology. University of South Carolina. Columbia, South Carolina. pp. 7-8.
2013. Hickman, Jim. "A Good Day on the Combahee." Quarterly Reporter. Vol. 4, Iss. 2. July. Maritime Research Division. South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology. University of South Carolina. Columbia, South Carolina. pp. 8-9.