Lake River Ceramic
Posted by [Hutchmar]
I have been studying Lake River Ceramic (made 800 years ago near Columbia River in SW Washington) for quite a while, but there is so little scholarly information out there that was written about this enigmatic art form. I am wondering if any of you owners of pieces of this clay have any Ideas about the purpose of the items. For Instance, what were the Masquetts for? I am fairly confident that the beads and pendants were to wear, but what purpose did such small mallet heads serve. I have had the opportunity to see about 150 pieces with faces. Are the eyes closed or open, Why? Also, why did the ceramic makers not make plates, bowls or other articles of food prep? Why were all items so small? Does anyone think that children might have made these items? Like mud pies? I have so many questions about thic ware, and I am just wondering what some of the owners think about this stuff. The largest pieces seem to be less than 4 inches.. Why so small? Any thoughts? Thanks for sharing your Ideas.
Posted by [JoshinMo]
Eyes look Asian.
Posted by [Painshill]
Hi Margaret
What you’re showing there is, I believe, generally believed to be a cradleboard effigy.
There have been previous threads on this topic, here:
http://forums.arrowheads.com/forum/g...from-southwest
http://forums.arrowheads.com/forum/g...ette-figurines
http://forums.arrowheads.com/forum/g...tors-out-there
Within those threads, David Heath (our member [Mule-Ear]) has kindly shared links to pdf downloads of his three 2011 publications on Shoto Clay-Wares, provided again here for convenience:
Shoto Clay - Wares from the Lake River Ceramics Horizon of Southwest Washington State, Part 1 – Figurines:
Shoto Clay - Wares from the Lake River Ceramics Horizon of Southwest Washington State, Part 2 - Club Heads:
Shoto Clay - Wares from the Lake River Ceramics Horizon. Part 3 - Maskette Figurines:
“These papers… have been proposed with an aim of contributing to the body of knowledge related to the subject of ceramic wares, which have been recovered from the Lower Columbia River region in Southwest Washington State and are commonly referred to as Shoto Clay or Lake River Ceramics. Previous research and reporting on this subject has been limited due to a lack of professionally lead excavations and the limited availability of wares from which scientific study might be made.
The author, over a span of several years, has attempted to locate privately held collections that contain these wares with a goal of photographing and obtaining basic data. Through various sources and informants, several local area collections were identified. These collections ranged in size but most were limited to only few examples. When permission could be obtained, photographs, measurements and associated information was collected.
These efforts have resulted in identifying several hundred specimens, many of which had not been previously documented. In some instances, previously unknown ware types were additionally identified. This and future papers will serve as a presentation of the author's findings.”
You don’t say what literature you have already found, but in addition to the first three parts of David Heath’s articles on these items referenced above, Part 4 (Pipes), is now also available. Here’s one of many library links to it:
http://www.pugetsoundknappers.com/in...pes_Part_4.pdf
Posted by [Hutchmar]
I have all of Mr David Heaths booklets. I am hoping that he will put out some more. I also have also the 1968 Slocum/Matsen OAS booklet, and Dr. Alison Stenger's work from 2009. In Addition, I have corresponded with Alison Stenger about her research. I agree that the slanted eyes are Asian looking, but if the work is supposed to be a cradleboarded baby, it could simply be a grimacing baby face. I appreciate hearing anyones thoughts about these little works of art.....
Margaret
This Maskette was recovered at the hertzog site many years ago.(picture courtesy B C Artifacts, T Hardie) this is a well made maskette, and to me the figure appears to be asleep, dreaming or dead. What do others think about his? Can anyone explain to me why Lake River Ceramic seems to be kept out of discussions. I want to study it, and help figure out its purpose.
image_2013-02-01.jpg
[Posted by Oldie]
Seems to be a fair amount of recent interest in this subject and new folks are surfacing to continue the study of these ceramics. Hutch mar - please share your ideas and thoughts.
Study - get all of the written material on this subject you can find. Also study the archaeology of Lake River and the Portland Basin. Also read-up on Chinook Mythologies, culture and customs. Site Reports - get'em too!
Also study local ceramics that preDate Shoto Clay like those recovered at Lady Island, Blue Lake, Cashdollar and Cholick.... Most of these early ceramics are utilitarian and not figural.
Later Shoto Clay wares are almost exclusively human figures. The small size is easily palmed, and was perhaps used In local healing practices.... Perhaps something's was special,about lake river... A special place? .... Perhaps a healing center?... The large number of cradle board effigies might suggest high infant mortality? Or other need to otherwise protect infants?
There also appears to be a number of wares that show human and animal features. Many of the animal effigies resemble those noted as guardian spirits for the Chinook... Turtle, owl, coyote, raven, beaver.... I never read that any writing (Asian or otherwise) has ever been found on these clay items... Just lines and impressions....
I read wakemap Mound, located up river also produced a number of baked clay wares that share similarities with Shoto Clay... Mainly similar decorative methods such as incised lines, impressions and appliqué... And heavy use of human figurines....
Posted by [Painshill]
From what I read, I don’t get the impression that Lake River Ceramics are being “kept out of discussions” as you put it. More that archaeologists are well and truly stumped and have run out of ideas. As you know, all of the “leads” come to a dead end, not helped by the fact that many of the sites were well and truly pillaged by amateur collectors from the 1800’s onwards. Many of the artefacts were profitably dispersed to private collections all over the place – often without accompanying provenance – and this may in part explain the scarcity (but not complete absence) of larger items such as bowls in current museum collections.
The theory for the (possibly Japanese) blacksmith “Shoto” being shipwrecked from a Spanish galleon and teaching ceramic crafts to the Chinook has been discredited since it happened 400 years later (if it actually happened at all). All we seem to be left with is that the anthropomorphic items suggest a people with an appearance that was non-Native to North America (or at least not pure-bred Native), but not of European origin.
Incidentally, the fascination of groups of native people with figurine and effigy items produced in large numbers is by no means unique to this area. The Seti people of Sonora, Mexico for example had a similar fascination with unique forms of small clay figurines and odd-shaped amulets of unknown purpose. There are other instances too, except that in all of those cases, we know at least something about the people concerned… even if we don’t know for sure what the items were used for.
It is really interesting though, isn’t it? Some human remains might help solve the “origin” mystery perhaps. The people were in the area for 3 generations so there ought to be burials. But I could foresee some interesting arguments about whether anything found was regarded as having Native American affinity with protection from NAGPRA or not. The same kinds of arguments that raged over “Kennewick Man”.
Posted by [Hutchmar]
I saw my first example of Lake River "shoto" Clay about 2 years ago, and have been studying it ever since. I have gotten every published booklet, and several other papers. After reading what is available, it is pretty apparent that no one really seems to know who made these wares, or what purpose they served. I am fascinated by this art form. The pieces are relatively small. I think it is possible that they were made by children.
I have collected over 150 photos of different pieces and forms. The sculpture seems similar to other forms sculpted by the local peoples of the area. Many of the figures look like babies on cradle boards.
How many museums have examples of these artifacts? They sure don't advertise it. Any museum that I have found that has any, keeps it stored away, along with any literature on the subject. Amateur archeologists, like myself, aren't usually given access to stored items.
If there are collectors out there, I was hoping they would share their Ideas. Also, if there are any OAS members out there that participated it the Hertzog digs, maybe they could share what they found out during those digs. Thanks to all who have responded.
Posted by [Hutchmar]
I have been studying Lake River Ceramic (made 800 years ago near Columbia River in SW Washington) for quite a while, but there is so little scholarly information out there that was written about this enigmatic art form. I am wondering if any of you owners of pieces of this clay have any Ideas about the purpose of the items. For Instance, what were the Masquetts for? I am fairly confident that the beads and pendants were to wear, but what purpose did such small mallet heads serve. I have had the opportunity to see about 150 pieces with faces. Are the eyes closed or open, Why? Also, why did the ceramic makers not make plates, bowls or other articles of food prep? Why were all items so small? Does anyone think that children might have made these items? Like mud pies? I have so many questions about thic ware, and I am just wondering what some of the owners think about this stuff. The largest pieces seem to be less than 4 inches.. Why so small? Any thoughts? Thanks for sharing your Ideas.
Posted by [JoshinMo]
Eyes look Asian.
Posted by [Painshill]
Hi Margaret
What you’re showing there is, I believe, generally believed to be a cradleboard effigy.
There have been previous threads on this topic, here:
http://forums.arrowheads.com/forum/g...from-southwest
http://forums.arrowheads.com/forum/g...ette-figurines
http://forums.arrowheads.com/forum/g...tors-out-there
Within those threads, David Heath (our member [Mule-Ear]) has kindly shared links to pdf downloads of his three 2011 publications on Shoto Clay-Wares, provided again here for convenience:
Shoto Clay - Wares from the Lake River Ceramics Horizon of Southwest Washington State, Part 1 – Figurines:
Shoto Clay - Wares from the Lake River Ceramics Horizon of Southwest Washington State, Part 2 - Club Heads:
Shoto Clay - Wares from the Lake River Ceramics Horizon. Part 3 - Maskette Figurines:
“These papers… have been proposed with an aim of contributing to the body of knowledge related to the subject of ceramic wares, which have been recovered from the Lower Columbia River region in Southwest Washington State and are commonly referred to as Shoto Clay or Lake River Ceramics. Previous research and reporting on this subject has been limited due to a lack of professionally lead excavations and the limited availability of wares from which scientific study might be made.
The author, over a span of several years, has attempted to locate privately held collections that contain these wares with a goal of photographing and obtaining basic data. Through various sources and informants, several local area collections were identified. These collections ranged in size but most were limited to only few examples. When permission could be obtained, photographs, measurements and associated information was collected.
These efforts have resulted in identifying several hundred specimens, many of which had not been previously documented. In some instances, previously unknown ware types were additionally identified. This and future papers will serve as a presentation of the author's findings.”
You don’t say what literature you have already found, but in addition to the first three parts of David Heath’s articles on these items referenced above, Part 4 (Pipes), is now also available. Here’s one of many library links to it:
http://www.pugetsoundknappers.com/in...pes_Part_4.pdf
Posted by [Hutchmar]
I have all of Mr David Heaths booklets. I am hoping that he will put out some more. I also have also the 1968 Slocum/Matsen OAS booklet, and Dr. Alison Stenger's work from 2009. In Addition, I have corresponded with Alison Stenger about her research. I agree that the slanted eyes are Asian looking, but if the work is supposed to be a cradleboarded baby, it could simply be a grimacing baby face. I appreciate hearing anyones thoughts about these little works of art.....
Margaret
This Maskette was recovered at the hertzog site many years ago.(picture courtesy B C Artifacts, T Hardie) this is a well made maskette, and to me the figure appears to be asleep, dreaming or dead. What do others think about his? Can anyone explain to me why Lake River Ceramic seems to be kept out of discussions. I want to study it, and help figure out its purpose.
image_2013-02-01.jpg
[Posted by Oldie]
Seems to be a fair amount of recent interest in this subject and new folks are surfacing to continue the study of these ceramics. Hutch mar - please share your ideas and thoughts.
Study - get all of the written material on this subject you can find. Also study the archaeology of Lake River and the Portland Basin. Also read-up on Chinook Mythologies, culture and customs. Site Reports - get'em too!
Also study local ceramics that preDate Shoto Clay like those recovered at Lady Island, Blue Lake, Cashdollar and Cholick.... Most of these early ceramics are utilitarian and not figural.
Later Shoto Clay wares are almost exclusively human figures. The small size is easily palmed, and was perhaps used In local healing practices.... Perhaps something's was special,about lake river... A special place? .... Perhaps a healing center?... The large number of cradle board effigies might suggest high infant mortality? Or other need to otherwise protect infants?
There also appears to be a number of wares that show human and animal features. Many of the animal effigies resemble those noted as guardian spirits for the Chinook... Turtle, owl, coyote, raven, beaver.... I never read that any writing (Asian or otherwise) has ever been found on these clay items... Just lines and impressions....
I read wakemap Mound, located up river also produced a number of baked clay wares that share similarities with Shoto Clay... Mainly similar decorative methods such as incised lines, impressions and appliqué... And heavy use of human figurines....
Posted by [Painshill]
From what I read, I don’t get the impression that Lake River Ceramics are being “kept out of discussions” as you put it. More that archaeologists are well and truly stumped and have run out of ideas. As you know, all of the “leads” come to a dead end, not helped by the fact that many of the sites were well and truly pillaged by amateur collectors from the 1800’s onwards. Many of the artefacts were profitably dispersed to private collections all over the place – often without accompanying provenance – and this may in part explain the scarcity (but not complete absence) of larger items such as bowls in current museum collections.
The theory for the (possibly Japanese) blacksmith “Shoto” being shipwrecked from a Spanish galleon and teaching ceramic crafts to the Chinook has been discredited since it happened 400 years later (if it actually happened at all). All we seem to be left with is that the anthropomorphic items suggest a people with an appearance that was non-Native to North America (or at least not pure-bred Native), but not of European origin.
Incidentally, the fascination of groups of native people with figurine and effigy items produced in large numbers is by no means unique to this area. The Seti people of Sonora, Mexico for example had a similar fascination with unique forms of small clay figurines and odd-shaped amulets of unknown purpose. There are other instances too, except that in all of those cases, we know at least something about the people concerned… even if we don’t know for sure what the items were used for.
It is really interesting though, isn’t it? Some human remains might help solve the “origin” mystery perhaps. The people were in the area for 3 generations so there ought to be burials. But I could foresee some interesting arguments about whether anything found was regarded as having Native American affinity with protection from NAGPRA or not. The same kinds of arguments that raged over “Kennewick Man”.
Posted by [Hutchmar]
I saw my first example of Lake River "shoto" Clay about 2 years ago, and have been studying it ever since. I have gotten every published booklet, and several other papers. After reading what is available, it is pretty apparent that no one really seems to know who made these wares, or what purpose they served. I am fascinated by this art form. The pieces are relatively small. I think it is possible that they were made by children.
I have collected over 150 photos of different pieces and forms. The sculpture seems similar to other forms sculpted by the local peoples of the area. Many of the figures look like babies on cradle boards.
How many museums have examples of these artifacts? They sure don't advertise it. Any museum that I have found that has any, keeps it stored away, along with any literature on the subject. Amateur archeologists, like myself, aren't usually given access to stored items.
If there are collectors out there, I was hoping they would share their Ideas. Also, if there are any OAS members out there that participated it the Hertzog digs, maybe they could share what they found out during those digs. Thanks to all who have responded.
Comment