Prehistoric collection of artifacts found in Chesterfield

By Jeff Small

KSDK -- A prehistoric collection of masks, jewelry and other goods is now in the hands of local archaeologists. It's the result of a dig that began in June at a site with ties to the Chesterfield Levee Project. The collection is part of an ongoing dig conducted by the Archaeological Research Center of St. Louis.

With a simple toothbrush and water, history is coming to life through finds such as antlers and arrowheads. It's part of the prehistoric collection now being taken care of by archaeologists in St. Louis.

The pieces were discovered at the Dampier site in Chesterfield during an archaeological dig of a Mississippian settlement that dates from 1100 to 1200 A.D.

Experts say a recent dig uncovered a rare, wealthy, and elaborate community that improves our understanding of Cahokia and Mississippian culture. Experts are especially happy to now have found priceless goods like long-nosed god masks that were burned as a symbolic sacrifice.

"Nobody has ever done a professional dig like this in eastern Missouri, so to find this site which is a major market center," said lead investigator Joe Harl.