Prehistoric Caddo Tradition Effigy Bottle - Arkansas Archeological Survey

Photo of an effigy bottle in the shape of a human head — Prehistoric Caddo Tradition Effigy Bottle, AD 1600–1650. Courtesy of Historic Arkansas Museum and Henderson State University Museum.

by Ann M. Early
Artifact of the Month - February 2018

Prehistoric Caddo potters in Arkansas produced elegant containers with intricate engraved decorations for centuries before American settlers arrived. This tradition contrasted with that of the Native people of eastern Arkansas who modeled containers into animal and human effigy shapes and who colored their creations with bright red, white, and black clay slips. Pictured is a rare example of a Caddo modeled head effigy with stylized and restrained facial features made in the Caddo style. The engraved decoration, usually found on bottles, bowls, and other containers, makes this a unique example of ancient Caddo ceramic art.

The engraved designs used on this vessel are common in the Ouachita River valley in southwest Arkansas where this vessel was found, except for the figure encircling the left eye. This figure can be understood as a bird wing, a raptorial bird with folded wings, a human hand, or all three simultaneously. The multilayered meanings of this symbol convey information about death, the afterlife, and the spirit world.

This bottle, made in the early 1600s, offers a look into the realm of spiritual belief as well as an example of the technical and aesthetic expertise of native Caddo potters who lived in Arkansas.

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Materials: Clay, shell

Dimensions: 11.1 in, 5.5 in

Age Estimate: AD 1600–1650

Courtesy of Historic Arkansas Museum and Henderson State University Museum

A first principle of archeology is that the significance of artifacts depends upon documented information about the context of their discovery. At what site was the artifact found? Can we figure out the age of the artifact? Where was it found in relation to site features (houses, trash deposits, activity areas, etc.) and the distribution of other artifacts? Only with knowledge of those facts can we assess further information about the manufacture and use of artifacts, and their role in other spheres of activity such as social organization, trade and exchange, and religious practice.

In this series, we feature select artifacts that are extraordinary both for the context of their discovery and for their unique qualities that contribute exceptionally important information about Arkansas culture and history. New artifacts will be added monthly throughout 2018. Find the list of artifacts here.