MVAC logo

at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Process of Archaeology

Glossary-Process of Archaeology

Glossary

Back to all terms

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.

Site credits

MVAC wordmark logo

at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Contact us

Get involved

Back to top

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.