There is a unity in the patterns of the archaeological remains found in the Middle Ohio Valley during the time periods called Early and Middle Woodland (the term “woodland” is used in another confusing set of terms). Berle sees and understands this unity as it changed through time. Perhaps we should call this phenomenon the Clay Complex. I extend fond best wishes to him as he enters a new phase of his career. I look forward to seeing him, with or without a gradiometer, at sites I feel confident I can call Ohio Hopewell. (Photograph by Karen Royce)
Post Script:
From a modal point of view perhaps the name Robbins or Connett might be better than “Adena” to designate the majority of mounds and their contents within the cultural core area. The cultures represented by these mounds, which are found on both sides of the river, did not evolve into the flamboyance of Ohio Hopewell but did share the cultural continuity recognized by all those who have worked with the materials.
A significant anthropological puzzle remains to be solved concerning the differences among these local peoples. What factors brought about the clearly recognizable change called Hopewell in some regions but not in others?
Greber 1991:22