The Perrot Punctate ware artifact was a hand made piece of pottery that was used primarily by the Oneota culture.   The Oneota culture dates from 900 AD to 1700 AD.  The Ioway, Missouria, Oto and Winnebago tribes were closely related Plains Indian tribes and it was their ancestors that historians believe made up the Oneota culture.   The Oneota were skillful agriculturists, fisherman and hunters.  This artifact is found in Wisconsin, Iowa as well as Minnesota, though it may be labeled another name depending on where it was found.

The term punctate means to have small spots or depressions.  This pottery was distinguished because of the small depressions that it was decorated with on the outside of the bowl.  These depressions were used with a small tool gently pressed into the clay.  Some of these pieces were thought to have strap handles on the side directly below the lip of the bowl.  These artifacts have been found only in pieces.

References:

Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse www.uwlax.edu/mvac/pastcultures/oneota/earlyculturesmain.htm           

The Cultural Resource Group: The Weaver Terrace Sites Former Link www.culturesourcegroup.com/projects.wever.htm 2008

Written by Erin Cummings, 2004