How to Identify Markings on an Ancient Indian Pottery Vase

Example of incised pottery

Identifying markings on ancient Native American (Indian) pottery can be challenging. Seeking the assistance of experts is usually necessary and also will give you a broader understanding of the markings on the pot and the culture that made the pot. Doing so should provide you with further resources for your own research, too.

Things You'll Need

• Camera
• Documents about the pot's origin and history

Instructions

1. Take several well-lit photographs of the pot from several angles. Take pictures of the entire pot as well as detail shots of its markings. Adjust the lighting to catch different details on the pot and of the markings.

2. Find contact information for experts in the particular area from which the pot came. For example, if the pot came from Arizona, find an expert in ancient Southwestern culture. Experts who can help you to identify and further research the vessel can be found through your local university or college department of anthropology or archaeology, local or regional museums, or appraisal services.

3. Contact the experts you found. Send emails or letters, or call them to ask for information about the pot and its markings. You may need to reach out to several people before receiving an answer or information. Be patient; most of the experts in question are very busy, and it may take some time for them to respond. If you send an email, attach at least one clear photo of the pot for an initial inspection.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have some information about the origin of the pot and the culture that produced it, you can do some research on your own at a library.

• Do not expect to receive a formal note of authenticity or an appraised value for your pot from most archaeologists, anthropologists or museums. You probably need to consult with a professional appraiser or auction house for that, and they probably need to see the vessel in person.

• Obtaining, possessing or selling certain Native American artifacts may be illegal, especially if they were recently acquired, are associated with tribes that still exist or are related to burials or other religious activities. For more information, see the U.S. National Park Service's website about National NAGPRA, which is linked in the Resources section.

References

• The Amerind Foundation: Anthropological and Archaeological Museum and Research Center
• The Antique Tribal Art Dealers Association Inc.: Appraisals of Antique Tribal Art

Resources

• U.S. National Park Service: National NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act)
• The University of Arizona, Arizona State Museum: Pottery Collections