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Pottery type
Mississippi Plain Pottery
Mississippi Plain800 – 1600 A.D.Mississippian PotteryKey facts
- Age
- 800 – 1600 A.D.
- Cultural period
- Mississippian Pottery
- Material
- Primarily shell-tempered clay, though grit temper occurs in some regions. Surfaces are smoothed by hand or with wooden paddles.
More from the Mississippian period
Description
Mississippi Plain is a widespread Mississippian pottery category consisting of undecorated, smoothed surface vessels. Forms include globular jars with flaring rims, bowls, bottles, and simple utility forms. Surfaces range from tan to dark brown, often showing light burnishing or smoothing marks.
Size
Typical jar heights range from 20–35 cm; bowls range from 15–30 cm in diameter. Wall thickness averages 5–8 mm.
Distribution
Occurs throughout the Mississippian cultural region along the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
Additional information
Mississippi Plain represents everyday utility ware within Mississippian villages and mound centers. It is one of the most common ceramic categories in the Southeast and Midwest.