Caddo or Cahokian? Stylistic and compositional analyses of a fine-engraved vessel from northwest Iowa

Abstract

A ceramic vessel found at a Mill Creek culture (eastern Initial Middle Missouri variant) site in northwest Iowa exhibits features characteristic of both the Southern Caddo Holly Fine Engraved type and the Fine Engraved Carving type of the American Bottom Fine Grog series. Knowing the vessel’s likely manufacturing locale is important in understanding relationships between Middle Missouri tradition people and distant groups to the south. To determine whether the vessel was made in the Caddo area or the Cahokia region, we employ stylistic analysis and three forms of compositional analysis: petrographic, X-ray fluorescence, and neutron activation. We conclude that the vessel was neither made locally in northwest Iowa nor in the Caddo area. It might have been made in the Cahokia region by a potter versed in the Caddo ceramic vocabulary, but further analysis of potential American Bottom source clays is needed.