Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

2603

Karla Oesch

Date

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Earth Sciences

Concentration

Archaeology

Committee Chair

David H. Dye

Committee Member

Andrew Michael Mickelson

Committee Member

Robert Connolly

Abstract

The unique nature of ceramics from the Lower Mississippi Valley provides an important basis for detailed ceramic studies that aid researchers in understanding processes of social change. These ceramic assemblages, especially those dating to the Protohistoric period, will be the focus of this research. Ceramic vessels from Coahoma, Lee, and Phillips Counties, will be used to compile a database of design motifs, in addition to other ceramic characteristics. Using the available radiocarbon dates from these sites, my research will help to better understand the chronological placement of specific ceramic characteristics. Furthermore, my research will not only supplement ceramic chronologies, but it will also help better understand processes of social change and material culture variation. The result of this research suggests from a stylistic perspective, polychrome vessels may be arranged chronologically. Furthermore, certain stylistic elements may be designated as early and late in the Protohistoric period. Protohistoric vessels appear to be associated with Tunican speakers, and it is likely that the Quapaw adopted some of these motifs as they moved into the Lower Mississippi Valley. Because the Quapaw are a coalescent society, certain diagnostic motifs may be used to identify community coalescence.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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