Whittlesey Tradition Vessel

3D Model

CMNH Archaeology 6388

Late Precontact AD 1550 - 1650

South Park Site (33CU8)

Independence, OH Date collected: 1967

This pot is identified with the Whittlesey people of the “Late Precontact” period, meaning it was crafted by one of the last groups of indigenous Ohioans yet to encounter European settlers.

The pottery clay was tempered with pieces of shell. It was found broken and incomplete, so red clay was utilized for full reconstruction. Whoever crafted the vessel used a decorative stamp to create the horizontal lines that cover the surface. Although the Whittlesey peoples lived in what we now consider Northeast Ohio, the pot resembles the “Indian Hills Stamped” style seen among the Sandusky Tradition peoples of Northwest Ohio. This similarity could indicate some cultural exchange between the two populations.

The vessel is too small for a cooking pot and may have been a serving vessel.

Image by Jacob Kordeleski, CMNH Dept of Archaeology // Hawken School