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Archaeology Terms

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Temper

Temper Coarse inclusions deliberately added to a paste for purposes of improving the firing characteristics of that paste. Whether the temper seen in pot sherds is rock or shell can help date the artifact.

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MVAC Educational Programs are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these programs do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This project was supported in part by the National Science Foundation. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Foundation.