Prehistoric Trade - Raw materials and articles from distant areas reached the Indians of the Bynum site by trade along early trails that were the forerunners of the Natchez Trace. Spool shaped objects made of copper filled with lead were found with Bynum materials. Flint for tools and weapons came from as far away as the region of Ohio. Green stone for polished celts (axes) was obtained from the Alabama- Tennessee Piedmont. Marine shells came from the Gulf coast.
A Living From the Land - The Indians hunted, fished and gathered wild berries, nuts and fruit. They supplemented these activities by farming. Deer was the most common game animal. The Indians used the bones for tools and the skin for clothing. Cooking pots were made of clay mixed with sand or grit. The surfaces were decorated with the impressions of fabrics or cords. You may see specimens from the Bynum Mounds in the Parkway Visitors Center near Tupelo.
Summer Shelters - In summer the Indians probably lived largely out of doors under temporary brush lean-to shelters. Most of their time was spent caring for their crops, hunting and gathering wild plants, fish and shellfish from the surrounding area. New winter homes were built as necessary for the winter months. Three permanent house foundations were discovered during archaeological excavation. These were built by placing timbers upright in a circular pattern, weaving willow or reed stems into them and finally plastering mud on the outside. Roofs were thatched with grass and bark with a center hole for smoke to escape.
