Prehistoric Ceramic Description & Analysis

This course is an introduction to a major artifact class found in Colorado: ceramics. The course covers the technology of ceramic manufacture, basic description and analysis, and an introduction to some American Indian ceramic wares found in the state. The course is not a study of ceramic typology; types will be described on a limited basis, and non-Indian wares are not discussed. The course is of value to those individuals interested in the Late Prehistoric to Protohistoric period occupations (AD 150-1800) of Colorado.

Bibliography & Glossary (PDF)

Class Outline

1. Introduction to ceramics



2. Technology of ceramic manufacture
   1. Three basic elements composing ceramics
      1. earthenware, stoneware & porcelain
      2. sources of clay and temper
   2. Ceramic paste and working it
   3. Vessel forming techniques
   4. Finishing techniques
   5. Firing the vessel


3. Description and analysis
   1. Viewing & describing paste, form & finishes
   2. Defining ceramic types, series & ware


4. General survey of Colorado ceramic earthenwares
   1. Plains ceramics wares
      1. Plains Woodland & Developmental period
      2. Upper Republican
      -Cambridge
      -Frontier
      3. Apishapa
      4. Sopris (Upper Purgatoire)
   2. Western Colorado ceramics
      1. Ancestral Pueblo (Anasazi)
         
         -Northern San Juan Gray
         -Northern San Juan White
         -San Juan Red
      2. Fremont
         
         -Desert/Utility Gray
         -Ivie Creek White
   3. Colorado wares, post-AD 1300
   1. Quemado & Navajo Painted
   2. Dismal River & Sangre de Cristo Micaceous
   3. Intermountain
   4. Uncompahgre Brown
   5. Shoshonean Brown
   4. Trade wares