Memphis State University - DeSoto Yearbook (Memphis, TN)

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Recent excavations showed that Chu- calissa was founded in 1000 A.D., abandon- ed and occupied several times until 1500 A.D. It remained an abandoned town until the 1930 ' s when the Civilian Conservation Corps uncovered the town while constructing Fuller State Park. Acquired by MSU in 1962, the site was rebuilt through the efforts of the late Charles H. Nash, one-time director of the museum and MSU instructor. Nine thatched-roof huts, a chief ' s house and two enclosed archaeological excavation sites are points of interest in the reconstruct- ed village. Wood Bell examines maize from Chucalissa ' s summer garden. Mark Haggitt, educational coordinator, demonstrates archaelogical field techniques for a Continuing Education class. Gary Eaton restores pottery thought to be over 500 years old. Academics 15

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Students Delve Into Past to Discover Choctaw Heritage Beneath a simple thatched-roof hut, time seems to stand still. Standing silently atop a Missis- sippi riverbluff there exists a part of Memphis State University which is over 1000 years old — Chucalissa Indian Village. Chucalissa, meaning abandoned houses in Choctaw, is a pre- historic Indian town which has been reconstructed by the MSU Anthro- pology Department. Throughout the year anthropology students delved into the secrets of the excavation sites and helped with the construction of exhibits. MSU is one of the few universi- ties in the South where students have an opportunity to participate year round in actual field, lab and museum work, said Dr. Gerald P. Smith, curator of Chucalissa since 1968. Continuing Education offered a basic archaeology course featuring field experiences, classroom lec- tures and lab work, said Mark Hag- gitt, educational coordinator for the museum. Other archaelogical classes in- cluded museum operation, which taught museum procedures and ex- hibit work. Archaeological lab techniques provided experience for students in dating, washing, cataloging and preserving artifacts. Field excavations were featured in the summer by a class in archae- logical field techniques. 14 Academics

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A covered excavation reveals information about the former inhabitants of Chucalissa and their way of life. On the basis of archaeological evidence, the chief ' s house was built where it first stood. The circle of the other houses was built approxi- mately where we believe they were originally. We also think there was some type of temple on the mound, but it hasn ' t been excavated yet. Dioramas in the huts depict farmers, craftsmen and artists who raised the r crops in river bottoms below the village and made their own tools and implements as well as ceramic pottery. Excavation sites show a cross section of village deposits, an ori- ginal house floor and a burial area, all left exactly as they were found. Blow-gun contests are one of the many summer activities at Chucalissa. 16 Academics