CERAMIC TRANSITIONS ON THE GULF COASTAL PLAIN IN THE EARLY CENTURIES OF THE CHRISTIAN ERA

Abstract

Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1979.

A problem-oriented modal classification of 20,411 ceramic
 specimens from (8 Wa 14) the Saint Marks National Wildlife
 Refuge Fire Tower Site makes five contributions to Gulf
 Coastal Plain archaeology possible. First, it is possible
 to emphasize the influence of the Orange phase and ceramic
 series upon coeval Gulf Coastal Plain cultures. Second, an
 "Experimental Period" of social/economic charge is defined.
 This period was instrumental in precipitating the Deptford
 to (early) Swift Creek ceramic and cultural transition .
 Third, a new method of illustrating stamped pottery motifs
 via lithography is presented. Fourth, it is possible to lay
 the groundwork for recognizing a "pure" (early) Swift Creek
 Period by tracing the development and distribution of
 stamped ceramic motifs, a period which is presently unrecognized
 in Southeastern archaeological literature. Finally,
 this report documents the largest ceramic collection from
 an (early) Swift Creek secular habitation site on the Northwest
 Gulf Coast of Florida.