The Dallas phase settlements typically have one to three platform mounds; however, some (40Un11 and 40An44) have no mounds at all.[4] Their society was hierarchical. It is characterized by distinctions between nobles and commoners in burial practices. Elites were buried in mounds, unlike the remaining population.[5] Artifacts included shell gorgets, ear pins, and beads.[6]
Dallas peoples built "large log houses."[7] Their towns had central plazas, surrounded by winter and summer homes.[8]
Dallas Ware pottery was tempered with mussel shells and featured lugs, incised decoration, notched fillets, and strap handles.[9] Two distinct styles were Dallas Plain and Dallas Cordmarked.[10]
In the same region, the Hiwassee Island phase ran from 1000 to 1250 CE, followed by Early Dallas from 1250–1450 CE. Late Dallas ranged from 1450–1650 CE, which was followed by the Overhill Cherokee and Mouse Creek phases.[2]