Clay bead forms included spheres, large barrels, ovals and tubular shapes. The small number of surviving examples of ceramic beads, maskettes, or effigies suggests they were rarely produced or were too fragile to survive the centuries. Narragansett made small clay balls or beads. A late prehistoric period clay maskette from the Delaware/Jersey area is perforated for suspension near the bottom. Another clay maskette made by Northern Iroquois resembles a tiny face, perforated on either side for suspension. Other fired clay pendants include effigies of people, animals or fish.

© 1994-1999 Tara Prindle.