Information about the sites from which the Vach
Trailed pottery type originates is sketchy, since the first samples were
acquired by collectors and later given to the University of Minnesota.
Eventually, scholars identified seven Vach sites in eastern Minnesota.
Vach Trailed pottery is quite rare; it has only been found in relation to these seven closely spaced sites (as of 1979) and one other, the Pokegama Outlet Site.
Vach Trailed Pottery appears to come from the Middle Woodland period, based on similar ceramic and decorative qualities of other types known to come from this era.
Since there are so few samples of this type, it is possible to determine only a little information. The sherds that have been found are made from sand and medium- fine grit. The color is orange-buff to medium brown, and the surface of the pottery was treated by smoothing. The method of manufacture and average hardness and thickness are all unknown.
The decorations on the sherds were probably made with a stick; the sherds seem to be decorated only on the lip and outer rim.
Although the majority of the sherds found were most likely from a
single pot, little can be told about the vessel's exact size and shape. Both
can only be suggested. In A Handbook of Minnesota Prehistoric Ceramics,
Scott Anfinson writes,"The lips (of the vessel) are flat and squared to
slightly rounded. The rims are fairly high and slightly outcurving or high and
nearly vertical." (Anfinson, 1979:203)
Anfinson, Scott F., ed. A Handbook of Minnesota Prehistoric Ceramics. Fort Snelling: Minnesota Archeological Society, pp. 203-207. 1979.