Résumé (en anglais):

A large collection of partially reconstructed vessels from plains, parkland and forest sites in Saskatchewan and Manitoba was examined. Each vessel, dating to either the Middle or Late Precontact Period, was described in detail and carefully measured. Digital images were taken and imported into a computer-assisted design program. Vessel forms were extrapolated then used as the basis of the morphological analysis. The former vessel contents were characterized through analysis of residues absorbed into the walls at the shoulder, neck or rim of each pot. Fatty acid analysis of these residues was conducted using gas chromatography.Observations about Aboriginal vessel function within and between sites, within and between vegetation zones and through time will be presented. The value of descriptive, morphological and fatty acid residue analysis will be reviewed with respect to evaluating vessel function and reconstructing site activities.