Abstract

Ethnoarchaeological research has provided many insights into understanding the causes of ceramic variability in the archaeological record. Among these are those that focus on technical choices and manufacturing processes in relation to social boundaries. The ability to examine what was formerly termed function and style in a more unified way through a consideration of technological style provides new insight into the ways variability in ceramics relates to social and group identities and the process of marking social boundaries (whether intentional or not). Analysis of ceramics from two contemporary early historic Seneca village sites provides a database within which to apply results from several ethnoarchaeological studies. Patterns of technological variability as evidenced in vessel morphology, construction, and decorative techniques are analyzed for evidence of the use of material culture as an expression of social boundaries. While insights into Iroquoian ceramic variability and its causes are gained, problems in identifying appropriate interpretations remain and are discussed.