Salt production, standardization, and specialization

Abstract

Recent archaeological data from the Upper and Little salt licks at the Drake’s Salt Works Site Complex in northwestern Louisiana suggest that this saline was visited on an opportunistic or short-term basis. These sites, particularly the Little Lick, have standardized salt production vessels when compared to other salines, but both lack evidence of extended occupation, which was viewed as a likely prerequisite for full-time or prolonged seasonal specialization. This study also addresses several potential conditions that may have affected the development of salt production specialization in northwestern Louisiana. While the demand for salt may have been relatively high following European contact, the numerous and flood-prone salt deposits in this region made it difficult for producer specialization to develop.