The Hand Site is an archaeological site located along the Nottoway River in Southampton County, Virginia.
This site appears to have hosted not just an exclusive Iroquoian village from 1580 to 1620 but rather an Algonquian-Iroquoian site recurring over a span of more than 1000 years.
Unfortunately there is no conclusive evidence to exclusively attribute this site solely to the Meherrin, Nottoway, or Nansemond. This suggests a complex history of occupation by various indigenous groups at different times rather than a singular cultural affiliation. Further research, incorporating comprehensive archaeological investigation and analysis of historical sources, is necessary to fully understand the dynamic cultural landscape of the site and the different Tribes who inhabited it over time.
The site was excavated in 1965, 1966, 1969, and has been the subject of several archaeological studies
Skeletal remains of 131 ancestors are being held by the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Non-skeletal remains, including items such as arrowheads and pottery are being held by the Department of Historic Resources (DHR) in Richmond, Virginia.
Iroquoian Trumpet Pipes
Sherds c.1200–1650
Digital mock-ups ceramic vessels c.1200–1650.
Digital mock-ups ceramic vessels c.1650–1720.