Mann Phase Material Culture

Chapter 6 provides baseline data on the ceramics and chipped stone tools of the Mann phase. Mann phase ceramics are thin walled and nearly all are tempered with either grog or limestone. Limestone tempering dominated in early Mann phase contexts, gradually supplanted by grog. A variety of Hopewellian decorative techniques have been identified. Analysis of the ceramic data suggest a number of ceramic traits can be used to distinguish early- versus late-Mann phase assemblages. Locally made complicated stamped pottery makes up about 2.5 percent of the assemblage at Mann. Evidence suggests that, except for the use of local tempers, these vessels were identical to those made in the Southeast, possibly representing a sub-population of Mann site residents whose origins lay in Georgia. Bifacial chipped stone artifacts are dominated by Lowe Cluster projectile points and Copena Triangular knives. Evidence indicates that lamellar blade production was a large part of the lithic industry at Mann. Obsidian, present at the Mann site, is mostly derived from the Bear Gulch source in Idaho, which contrasts sharply with Ohio Hopewell contexts, where Obsidian Cliff material dominates.