The objective of this thesis is to collect and analyse wild clay from the vicinity of previously identified and excavated archaeological sites near Pigeon and Rice Lakes, and comparing the characterized clay samples to archaeological pottery samples from the sites. The purpose of this research is to explore the resource exploitation in the landscapes around sites, and investigate the behaviours associated with resource exploitation and pottery manufacture. Through the application of X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), each sample from four clay sources was analysed for its chemical composition, and compared to the chemical composition of Middle and Late Woodland Period pottery to investigate the similarities or differences between sources and finished items. The results demonstrated overlap between a source east of Rice Lake and pottery excavated from Chiminis-1 and Jacob Island-2.
Author Keywords: Clay Sourcing, Ontario Archaeology, Pottery, Resource Exploitation, Woodland Period, X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry