Ladds Stamped

Raised lines overlying a background of fine parallel horizontal lines on sand/grit tempered paste. The fine parallel background lines are a defining trait of the type. Based on differences in the pattern of raised lines overlying the parallel background lines, two varieties are recognized - diamond check and indistinct. The diamond check variant exhibits the raised lines in a diamond check pattern. The checks are much larger than those found on Cartersville Check Stamped wares (approximately 1cm). The raised lines of the indistinct variety are amorphous and often very faint, typically not forming any identifiable pattern, often appear to have been smoothed nearly into obliteration. The diamond check and indistinct patterns are applied with a paddle while the fine parallel background lines appear to have been made by scraping or rolling a crinoid fossil across the surface. Rim forms are predominantly scalloped (Figure 357), while there are single examples of notched, rolled, and straight rim forms. These rims are identical to the rim types found on Swift Creek Complicated Stamped wares. Vessel forms are unknown, but may approximate Early and Late Swift Creek forms.