Ceramic Paint Cups and Lids Among the Southern Plains Villagers of Western and Central Oklahoma

Abstract

There is a long history of Plains societies using paint in stylized and representational artwork. This artwork has been well documented by anthropologists as well as art historians. What is less well documented are the materials used in painting by these groups, especially the means of paint storage. This paper discusses the use of ceramic vessels for paint storage by late prehistoric Plains Villagers in south central and western Oklahoma. Attributes of paint cups and lids are documented. The uses of the paint cups and lids as well as their deposition in the archaeological context are also characterized. Closing comments address contradictions between the ceremonial applications of paint on the Plains and the absence of ritual in the archaeological context of the paint cups and lids.