SummaryDifferences in artifact shape are often very apparent to the observer, but can prove very difficult to express in a precise scientific manner. This paper discusses some of the problems encountered by the archaeologist who wishes to describe the appearance of an object, and in particular its shape. It goes on to give a detailed description of the “centroid and cyclical curve” method of shape analysis; a method which, it has been suggested, could possibly be of use to the archaeologist. Two case studies designed to test the usefulness of the method are described, and the results obtained from each are given. Certain conclusions about the effectiveness of the method when applied to artifacts are then reached.