Early Ceramic Period (Kansas)

The Early Ceramic Period in Kansas (approximately 100 BCE to 1000 CE) marks a significant transition in the prehistory of the region, characterized by the adoption of pottery technology and increased sedentism among indigenous populations. This period follows the Late Archaic and precedes the Middle Ceramic (or Plains Woodland) tradition.

The primary defining characteristic of the Early Ceramic Period is the appearance of pottery. Early pottery vessels were typically conical or globular in shape, often tempered with sand, grit, or crushed rock. Decoration, when present, was generally simple, involving cord marking, incising, or punctation. The introduction of pottery allowed for more efficient storage and processing of food resources.

While the introduction of pottery is diagnostic, Early Ceramic peoples continued to rely heavily on hunting and gathering. Deer, bison, small mammals, and birds were important sources of protein. Wild plant foods, such as seeds, nuts, and berries, were also gathered. Evidence suggests a gradual shift towards increased horticulture, with the cultivation of crops like squash, sunflower, and perhaps maize, though agriculture was not yet the dominant subsistence strategy.

Settlement patterns during the Early Ceramic Period in Kansas show a trend towards greater sedentism compared to the preceding Archaic period. Sites tend to be located near water sources and consist of small, dispersed villages or hamlets. Dwelling structures were likely simple, semi-subterranean houses.

Archaeological sites attributed to the Early Ceramic Period in Kansas are relatively numerous, offering insights into the lifeways of these early pottery-using peoples. Diagnostic artifacts, in addition to pottery, include projectile points (arrowheads) used for hunting, as well as ground stone tools for processing plant foods. The study of these sites continues to provide valuable information about the transition from a nomadic hunting and gathering lifestyle to a more settled, agricultural way of life in the Central Plains.

The transition from the Early Ceramic to the subsequent Middle Ceramic Period is not always sharply defined, representing a gradual evolution in technology, subsistence strategies, and social organization.