Dallas phase


The Dallas phase is an archaeological phase, within the Mississippian III period, in the South Appalachian Geologic province in North America.

Geography

Dallas peoples moved into what is now southwest Virginia from northeastern Tennessee in the early 13th century. Dallas phase settlements ranged from along the Holston River to Cobb Island, and up the Nolichucky River and Little Pigeon Creek in Tennessee, and along the Clinch River in Virginia.

Characteristics

The Dallas phase settlements typically have one to three platform mounds; however, some have no mounds at all. Their society was hierarchical. It is characterized by distinctions between nobles and commoners in burial practices. Elites were buried in mounds, unlike the remaining population. Artifacts included shell gorgets, ear pins, and beads.
Dallas peoples built "large log houses." Their towns had central plazas, surrounded by winter and summer homes.

Ceramics

Dallas Ware pottery was tempered with mussel shells and featured lugs, incised decoration, notched fillets, and strap handles. Two distinct styles were Dallas Plain and Dallas Cordmarked.

Sites

Dallas phase sites include the following:
Overhill Cherokee sites, such as Citico, Hiwassee Old Town, and Chilhowee have Dallas phase artifacts; however, the Dallas phase is associated with ancestral Muscogee Creek peoples.

Dates

In the same region, the Hiwassee Island phase ran from 1000 to 1250 CE, followed by Early Dallas from 1250–1450 CE. Late Dallas ranged from 1450–1650 CE, which was followed by the Overhill Cherokee and Mouse Creek phases.