Three major research topics can be addressed using Northeastern ceramic data. First, different technological developments are seen in the earliest ceramics. Flat-bottomed wares develop in the Middle Atlantic and coiled, conoidal wares are earliest in New England. Second, the Abbott Farm and Delmarva Adena complexes of the central Middle Atlantic can be distinguished from surrounding Early and Middle Woodland complexes on the basis of ceramics; social complexity may be related to ceramic traits. Finally, Late Woodland ceramic design motifs and design “grammars” can be used to distinguish ethnic groups and study population movements throughout the Northeast.
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