A Functional Analysis of Fabric-Impressed Pans from the Middle Cumberland Region of Tennessee

Abstract In the Mississippian Southeast and Midwest, large fabric-impressed pans have traditionally been associated with the evaporation of brine to make salt. Although many of these vessels were undoubtedly used for this purpose, their presence at non-salt-making sites suggests that they sometimes served other functions. Using compound-specific isotope analysis, a sample of 74 fabric-impressed pan sherds from 12 sites in the Middle Cumberland Region of Tennessee was tested for absorbed organic residues to better understand the role of this vessel form in Mississippian foodways. Four residues from four different sites yielded evidence of C 4 plant contribution, indicating that these vessels were likely involved in the preparation of maize. Additionally, 27 interpretable residues suggest a broader range of use, with three samples containing potential indicators of fish or shellfish, pointing to their role in preparing nonmaize foods.