Diagnostic Artifacts In Maryland

Welcome  to  the  Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory’s Diagnostic Artifacts in Maryland website. This site has been created to provide an introduction to some of the most significant types of datable artifacts recovered from archaeological sites in Maryland. Our goal is to assist the professional archaeologist, and anyone else with an interest in Maryland archaeology, to recognize the objects typically found here, and to become familiar with the descriptive terms commonly used in this area. But many of these artifacts have a far broader geographical range than just Maryland, so we hope the website will be of use to a wide audience.

Prehistoric Ceramics:
Native Americans in Maryland first made ceramics around 3000 years ago. The clay pots were made in many different forms, using various decorations, tempering agents, and manufacturing techniques. Archaeologists give distinct names to each style of pottery, and the most common ones found in Maryland are described in this section of the website.

Maryland Projectile Points:
Archaeologists use the term “projectile point” to describe the distinctive tools that tipped Native American spears, arrows, and even knives. In Maryland, these points were made mostly from stone, and their use goes back at least 13,000 years.  As with most technology, the appearance and manufacture of the points changed over time. This website section describes some of the most common projectile points found in Maryland.

Colonial Ceramics:
European colonists brought numerous pottery varieties with them when they settled in the Chesapeake region. This section of the website describes some of the more common diagnostic types that were imported into Maryland between its founding in 1634 and the American Revolution.

Post-Colonial Ceramics:
This website section describes common diagnostic ceramics available in Maryland between the American Revolution and the late 19th century. The information provides a general description of typical decorations found on the ceramics, and offers references that can be read for more in-depth information.

Small Finds:
Historical archaeologists often use the phrase "Small Finds" to describe the miscellaneous objects that are typically found in small quantities on excavation sites. A few of these items, such as religious objects, sleeve buttons, and artifacts related to the use of horses, are discussed in depth in this section of the website.