Abstract

This paper discusses a synthesis of information obtained from northern Manitoba Laurel ceramics recovered between 1970 and 1995. This project has revealed an unexpected high number of sites with Laurel components in northern Manitoba. A higher than realized Laurel representation in all of Manitoba appears to be the emerging pattern. Some regionalism of the study area Laurel is suggested based on observed differences in decorative attribute frequencies. A temporal framework based on decorative attribute trends places the northern Manitoba Laurel within the middle to late period of the recognized Laurel existence. Thermoluminescence dating of selected sherds has produced a maximum range of dates beginning early at 40 B.C. and extending to A.D. 1469, a late date beyond the normally accepted temporal limit for Laurel.