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Middle Woodland Ceramic Exchange in the Lower Illinois Valley

Abstract This paper examines the exchange of Middle Woodland ceramics within the Havana region of the Hopewell Interaction Sphere. Ceramics from six lower Illinois Valley sites and samples of surrounding clays are examined using neutron activation analysis. Statistical evaluation of the elemental data reveals the presence of foreign ceramics in all six site samples. The local ceramics encompass a variety of both fine and coarse wares, including several sherds initially anticipated as exotic based on style. In contrast, the foreign sherds consist almost exclusively of coarse tempered, utilitarian types. Contrary to conventional wisdom, these data suggest that fine tempered, special purpose vessels were manufactured near their place of discovery, while utilitarian pottery may have circulated among Middle Woodland communities. In documenting the presence of foreign sherds in all of the study samples, this study confirms the regular transport of ceramic vessels into and within the lower Illinois Valley region.