Bonnie Newsom

Potter’s Choices and Indigenous Voices; An Archaeological Case Study Exploring Indigenous Use of Space in Pre-Colonial Maine, USA This research challenges Eurocentric interpretations of Indigenous peoples’ pasts in Maine by centering Indigenous agency in ceramic manufacture and use. The study involved analyzing archaeological ceramics from sites in Maine, focusing technological choices made by pre-contact Indigenous potters, such as temper type and density, surface treatment, and vessel morphology. Complementary analyses, including radiocarbon dating and stable isotope analysis of food residues, provided information on pot use, age, and diet. A key hypothesis tested was whether the Kennebec River served as a significant socio-spatial boundary between different groups. Preliminary findings show variability in ceramic attributes and dietary indicators across sites and time periods. While regional distinctions were observed, overlaps in surface treatments and morphology suggest fluid boundaries and shared technological strategies among potters, challenging the notion of rigid divisions. Integral to the project was engagement with Wabanaki communities, including ceramic instruction workshops to reawaken ancestral technologies and promote knowledge exchange. This research provides new insights into Indigenous technological skills and socio-spatial relationships in pre-colonial Maine, contributing to a more decolonized archaeological practice.