Ceramic Technology Laboratory

The FLMNH Ceramic Technology Laboratory was established in 1977 under the direction of Dr. Prudence Rice, then UF professor of Anthropology (now at SIU, Carbondale, IL). Pottery analysis plays an integral role in archaeological research at FLMNH as it constitutes the predominant material remaining at most archaeological sites investigated by museum curators. In addition pottery constitutes a very significant proportion of the FLMNH Anthropology collections. The CTL is equipped for basic paste characterization studies: binocular microscope for gross identification of temper or paste constituents; a petrographic microscope for precise mineral identification in thin section; an electric furnace used for refiring experiments and for comparative investigation of clay samples collected from the vicinity of archaeological sites. Analyses of physical and mineralogical properties of the pottery are undertaken to provide precise data to address research questions regarding chronology, provenience or manufacturing origins, processes of production, culture change, and the development of social and economic complexity in prehistoric Florida, the Southeastern US, and the Caribbean Basin. The department is committed to the continuance of this research program as the capacity for in-house specialized analyses of pottery enhances the competitiveness for research grants.

Collections

The CTL houses an extensive pottery type collection of prehistoric and historic period aboriginal pottery from Florida and the Southeastern U.S. The Florida materials represent type specimens assembled by Ripley Bullen, John Goggin, and Gordon Willey, pioneers of Florida archaeology. The type collections serve as a primary comparative resource for museum scientists, graduate students, and visiting researchers. The CTL also curates fragments of pottery samples used in paste characterization studies.

Personnel

The CTL operates under the supervision of Ann S. Cordell, (MA Anthropology, UF 1983; BS Geology, UF 1993), who also conducts all research projects undertaken by the lab.

Publications

From 1982 to 1986, the CTL supported a monograph series: Ceramic Notes: Occasional Publications of the Ceramic Technology Laboratory, Florida State Museum (edited by Prudence Rice). Ceramic Notes No. 2 is still available (Nos. 1 and 3 are out of print).

Ceramic Notes No. 2:   Ceramic Technology at a Weeden Island Period
                       Archaeological Site in North Florida.
                       1984, by Ann S. Cordell
                       (US$8.00)

To order, make checks payable to UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA FOUNDATION and send to :

Ann S. Cordell
Florida Museum of Natural History
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611-7800, USA
Tel.: 352 273-1924
Fax: 352 392-3698
Email: cordell@flmnh.ufl.edu