First Advisor

Shelby Anderson

Term of Graduation

Winter 2026

Date of Publication

4-3-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.) in Anthropology

Department

Anthropology

Language

English

Subjects

archaeology, Arctic, ceramic petrography, knowledge transmission, pottery, technology

Physical Description

1 online resource (x, 156 pages)

Abstract

Ceramic technology in the Bering Strait region of the North American Arctic dates to approximately 2,500 BP and is broadly divided into two traditions: the Early Arctic (Norton, pre-1,500 BP) and the Late Arctic (Thule, post-1,500 BP). While Arctic ceramic studies have focused on raw material sourcing, vessel use, and cooking performance, this research investigates forming methods and ceramic fabrics to better understand their place in the technological behavioral chain. This approach fills a gap in the literature by centering on vessel construction and offers new insights from Norton Sound sites, including type sites Iyatayet and Nukleet.

Macroscopic and petrographic analyses were conducted on artifacts from six Norton Sound sites. Thin section samples were sorted into ceramic fabric groups, possible forming methods were identified, and the distribution of these traits was assessed to evaluate possible patterns of technological knowledge transfer.

Results revealed a clear technological divide between Early Arctic and Late Arctic ceramics. No overlap was observed across temper choice, clay source, or forming method. Early Arctic ceramics were constructed with horizontal builds, likely coiling, combined with paddle-and-anvil shaping while Late Arctic methods varied by location. Fabric analysis highlighted the distinct use of hair temper in Early Arctic contexts, in contrast to the diverse Late Arctic temper choices, including shell at Nukleet, marble at Cape Denbigh, and occasional feather use. This study broadens understanding of Arctic ceramic traditions and contributes to ongoing efforts to explore Norton technological practices.

Rights

© 2026 Laurel Michelle Diciuccio

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Comments

This research was partially supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation Archaeology and Arctic Social Science Programs (1749078) and funding from the National Park Service Shared Beringian Heritage Program (P18AC00488).

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44620

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