The site was identified through an archaeological survey byWestern Michigan University in 1976. Excavations were conducted under the auspices of Western Michigan University in 1977 and 1979.[3]
A total of 46 features were uncovered at the site, of which 35 were distinctive deep roasting pits. The remains ofAmerican Lotus roots were found in 14 of the roasting pits, usually in conjunction withsturgeon bone.[5] Similar pits have been found at two nearby sites on theKalamazoo River, Elam and Allegan Dam.[6]
Most of the bone found was from thelake sturgeon.[7] There were also twoblack bearcraniums found near the tops of two features, both with theirmandibles removed.[8] A bear cranium was found under similar conditions at theBell site inWisconsin, and the researchers at that site suggested it may be evidence of the prehistoric to early historic practice ofbear ceremonialism.[9]
Artifacts recovered from the site included prehistoric pottery andlithics (stone tools). The majority of the stone tools were small triangular Madison points (aka “arrowheads”).[10] Madison points are commonly associated with lateprehistoric (late Woodland) occupations in the EasternUnited States.[11]
The pottery types identified / defined at Schwerdt closely match the types reported atMoccasin Bluff:
Moccasin Bluff modified lip (6 vessels)[13][14] – characterized by grit tempering, smoothed-overcordmarked surfaces, and a folded or crimped lip with cordwrapped stick impression or fingernail impressions on the lip. This type has been identified at theMoccasin Bluff and Ada sites inMichigan, and the Brems site inIndiana.[15] Time period: Late Prehistoric. Cultural Affiliation: Late Woodland.
Moccasin Bluff impressed exterior lip (19 vessels)[16][17] – characterized by grit tempering, smoothed-overcordmarked surfaces and distinctive finger-impressed patterns on the lip. This type has been reported from Brems andMoccasin Bluff.[18] Time period: Late Prehistoric. Cultural Affiliation: Late Woodland.
Moccasin Bluff plain modified lip (10 vessels)[19][20] – characterized by grit tempering, smooth surface and modified/notched lip treatment. This specific type is known only from Schwerdt andMoccasin Bluff. However it may have some relationship to Langford Ware, first noted at the Fisher site inIllinois, which is also grit tempered with similar attributes.[21] Time period: Late Prehistoric. Cultural Affiliation: Late Woodland.
Schwerdt scalloped (20 vessels)[22] – characterized by grit tempering,cordmarked or smoothed-over cordmarked surface, and a distinctive scalloped lip. This type is the Schwerdt equivalent of Moccasin Bluff Scalloped described from theMoccasin Bluff site.[23] At Schwerdt it is sub-divided into 2 groups based on small differences in the type and application of the scalloping. This type has been noted at the Hacklander, Elam andDumaw Creek sites inMichigan.[24] At Dumaw Creek the pottery was associated withEuropean trade goods, indicating this latePrehistoric type was still being made in the earlyHistoric Period.[25] it was suggested by the researchers that it was the product of anAlgonkian-speaking tribe, probably either thePotawatomi orSauk tribes.[26] Time period: Late Prehistoric to Early Historic. Prehistoric Cultural Affiliation: Late Woodland. Historic cultural affiliation: possibly Potawatomi or Sauk.
Huber ware (12 vessels)[27] – characterized by shell tempering and plain surfaces. This ware was first noted at the Huber site inIllinois and has also been reported from Oak Forest, Anker, Zimmerman, Hoxie Farm and Palos sites in Illinois; Griesmer and Brems in Indiana; and Wymer andMoccasin Bluff in Michigan.[28][29][30] AtMoccasin Bluff it is called Berrien Ware.[31] At Schwerdt, this ware is divided into 4 categories: Schwerdt Group 1-Huber Bold (1 vessel), Schwerdt Group 2-modified lip (3 vessels), Schwerdt Group 3-plain square lip (3 vessels) and Schwerdt Group 4-miniature vessels (5 vessels). Huber ware was found in association withEuropean trade goods at Oak Forest and Palos, indicating this latePrehistoric pottery type was still being made in the earlyHistoric period.[32] TheMiami tribe was known to be present in the southernLake Michigan region, so they could have been the creators of this pottery type.[33] Time period: Late Prehistoric to Early Historic. Prehistoric Cultural Affiliation:Oneota Aspect, possibly Orr focus.[34] Historic cultural affiliation: unknown, possibly Miami.
Schwerdt has been interpreted as a single component 15th century seasonal encampment.[35] It has been radiocarbon-dated to c. 1445-1450 A.D.[36] There are no permanent structures and no indication of any agricultural activity. The presence ofsturgeon bone andAmerican lotus root suggests spring-early summer occupation, based on the annual spring sturgeon migration.[37] Based on this information, it has been suggested that the site represents one stop on a seasonal round that would also include a semi-permanent, agricultural village.[38]
^Bettarel, Robert Louis & Smith, Hale G. (1973).The Moccasin Bluff Site and the Woodland Cultures of Southwestern Michigan. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan. p. 153.
^Quimby, George Irving (1966). "The Dumaw Creek Site: a Seventeenth Century Prehistoric Indian Village and Cemetery in Oceana County, Michigan".Fieldiana.56 (1):64–72.
