ARCHAEOLOGY IN JOHNSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE
By Howard Steven Shutt
On Thursday, March 29, 1990, three men were arrested for the looting of an ancient burial cave in the Cherokee National Forest in Johnson County, Tennessee. Extensive damage had been done to the site, and the loss of potential knowledge was immeasurable. In this excellent presentation the author offers a thorough study of the cave and a history of the people, as he details the effort made to salvage any knowledge left in the scattered remains while preserving the dignity of those disturbed by the destruction.
Lake Hole Cave gives insight to the process of scientific investigation and explores the methods used by professional archaeologists. The reader is, at the same time, provided a historical sketch of early Native American development in East Tennessee. This work will be welcomed by amateur collectors as well as professional archaeologists and will be enjoyed by anyone interested in East Tennessee’s ancient past.
Lake Hole Cave: Archaeology in Johnson County, Tennessee by Howard Steven Shutt; 64 pp.; illustrations; $6.95; ISBN 1-57072-004-5.
