This is an Owens Punctate ceramic sherd collected during recent archaeological survey of the Osotouy unit of Arkansas Post National Memorial. Owens punctated is a Late Mississippian (1450-1540 CE) ceramic type characterized by fine incised lines enclosed by punctations. The blackened areas of the sherd are possibly due to an applied slip. The possible slip is only present on the exterior side of the sherd, forming a clear layer. It has a distinct luster when exposed to light. The sherd has a coarse temper, and a slip would need to be applied for burnishing to be possible. Burnishing creates a non-uniform luster which would explain the color and luster of the sherd. A black film can also be applied through a process known as smudging in which carbon combustion is deposited onto the pottery
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