Prehistoric Sherd Identification

Below are four charts that offer a quick way to identify prehistoric ceramics. Select the region where the pottery was found and the follow the chart across from left to right. Start with the temper type, then go to surface treatment. Differences in decoration techniques and other defining characteristics will help narrow the ceramic ware choices. When a ware name is found, then click on its name on the left hand sidebar to go to the ware definition page.

Western Shore Coastal Plain; Eastern Shore Coastal Plain; Piedmont; Western Maryland