The late prehistoric period, here referred to as the Maritime Woodland, is primarily distinguished from the earlier Archaic period on the basis of the presence of earthenware pottery. The technique of pottery manufacture originated in South America about 5,000 years ago. This knowledge gradually spread northward, reaching the Maritimes about 2,500 years ago. Although an important characteristic of these later tool assemblages, the ceramic industry appears to have had little impact on the culture as a whole. This illustration shows how sherds of pottery, recovered from archaeological sites, are pieced together by archaeologists to arrive at a knowledge of the shape and size of the original vessel. Pottery of similar types has been found in all three Maritime provinces. The ceramics shown here are about 2,000 years old.
A Stamped dentate impressed decoration, collar appliquÄ, Fulton Island, New Brunswick
B Stamped scallop shell impressed decoration, castellated rim, Fulton Island, New Brunswick
C Stamped scallop shell impressed decoration, Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia
D Stamped rocker-dentate impressed decoration, castellated rim, Grand Lake, New Brunswick
Courtesy: National Museum of Man, National Museums of Canada
