ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION (NBG)
Clay basins built up on an area of a prepared floor are characteristic of Ohio Hopewell. They were described in some detail by Squier and Davis (1848:143-157) who called them "altars". Usually fires placed in them have reddened and hardened the clay for some depth. They vary in size and shape, frequently show signs of much use and repair, and also frequently are found empty. Sometimes, one is apparently deliberately damaged when abandoned or conversely, repaired and then not used before abandonment. There are definite differences in modal size and shape by site, but also a range within sites. The differences in size are quite possibly reflecting differences in use. Although the older term "altar" may be a more appropriate designation for many of them than the later term "crematory basin" used by Mills, I prefer, certainly in general descriptions, to use the more neutral "clay basin" which does not assign an incorrect function.
