Oneota ceramics : experimental archaeology : an honors senior thesis (HONRS 499)

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Authors
Schori, Abby J.
Advisor
McCord, Beth K.
Issue Date
2006
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B.?.)
Department
Honors College
Other Identifiers
Abstract

Experimental archaeology allows researchers to better understand their subject matter by actively participating in one or more aspects of their culture. This could take the form of flint knapping, building tools or structures in their fashion, cooking as they did, and/or constructing ceramic vessels in their specific style. Ceramics are a major defining point of any culture and certainly for those living in North America 500-1000 years ago. The Oneota are a prehistoric Midwestern Native culture well-known for their shell tempered ceramics. By studying their ceramics; shape, form, decoration, and temper, I was able to replicate four ceramic vessels. With four pots I was able to try different forms of decoration and handle shape. The process involved to successfully construct these pots was slightly lengthy. The paper gives a brief over view of the Oneota culture before concentrating heavily on their ceramics and then my process and methods for building, decorating, and firing the four pots.