The rare soil conditions at the Augustine site have preserved normally perishable implements and ornamental objects. Several thousand rolled copper beads were among spectacular finds found at the Augustine site. The presence of such large quantities of copper created a localized soil environment which acted as a preservative on organic materials that would normally have decayed. The Augustine mound contained the remains of cloth fabric, leather, hair and basketry. A selection of some of the finds are shown here:
A-D Four flaked stone knives
E Ground slate ornament gorget (neck pendant)
F-H Large ceremonial cache blades
I Four rolled copper beads
J Ground stone axe
Some of the materials used by the Adena suggest that they were visitors or perhaps traders, to the Maritimes. A distinctive stone in use, for example, originated in Illinois. The exotic stone objects include ground stone pendants, long tubular stone pipes and beautifully flaked blades. The Adena seem to have disappeared as suddenly as they appeared. Evidence of their presence comes to an end about 2,000 years ago. The culture may have died out, or, more probably, the Adena people may have been absorbed into local populations.
Courtesy: Historical Resources Administration, Province of New Brunswick
