Ceramics and Clay Nodules From Jackson Lake, Wyoming: Description and Mineralogical Analysis

Abstract

This study focuses on the mineralogical analysis of clay artifacts from Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Included are 18 ceramic sherds, four clay nodules, and a control sample of natural clay. The purpose of the mineralogical analysis was to determine if the clay artifacts could have been made on site from local clays. The mineralogical analysis on the ceramic sherds and the local clay indicates the pot tery was not made in the immediate area, but possibly nearby, suggesting people in or near Jackson Lake knew how to make pottery and did not need to trade for it. Two clay nodules, one from each of two sites, were also submitted for mineralogical analysis. The two sites are separated geographically by about two miles and temporally by several hundred years. The two nodules, however, are made from the same clay source, which does not match the local clay. The temporal continuity of the clay source for the nodules and the importation of the clay suggest a cultural importance for the nodules not otherwise perceived.