Traverse Ware: A Case Study in Ceramic Regionalization, Style Horizons, Interaction Patterns, and Ethnicity in the Late Prehistoric Upper Great Lakes

Summary

Among the many changes that take place during the Late Prehistoric period in the Upper Great Lakes are greater levels of regionalization and shifts in region-wide interaction patterns. These changes are generally viewed as being reflected in varying degrees of similarity and dissimilarity in ceramic wares, decorative styles, and technology seen across the region during this period. Suites of ceramic types and decorative styles have also been used to link particular ceramic groupings with specific ethnic or tribal groups and their protohistoric antecedents. Using Traverse wares from northwestern Lower Michigan as an example, this paper will explore a number of aspects about the nature and meaning of Late Prehistoric ceramics in the region. Characterization of Traverse ware provides a basis for examining patterns of group identity and intergroup interaction patterns, as well as the meaning of stylistic horizon markers that aid in unifying and differentiating archaeological groups and broader implications about the relationship between ceramics and ethnic identity in the region.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 22004