Institute for Archaeological Ceramic Research (IACR)

Visiting a prehistoric trench kiln near Blanding, Utah

Who We Are
The Institute for Archaeological Ceramic Research (IACR) is a publicly supported, not-for-profit organization with IRS 501(c)3 tax exempt status.  The Institute was incorporated in Colorado in the year 2001 to support archaeological research from the perspective of ceramic production and exchange.  It is governed by a board of directors with broad experience in ceramic archaeology.  Click on About Us.

What We Do
Our primary emphasis is the development and application of original research projects in ceramic archaeology.  We currently have three different, ongoing fieldwork programs that emphasize ceramic sourcing analysis to determine the exact geographic locales where prehistoric potters manufactured distinctive pottery.  The connection of potters and their pottery with a specific ceramic resource base is the necessary first step in the reconstruction of the structure of exchange and interaction in traditional societies.  Click on BRWPRJCT, ICWWPRJCT and KCBWPRJCT to learn more.

How We Do It
As an educational institute we utilize volunteer public archaeology patrons in our fieldwork research projects, providing them with an intensive, hands-on learning experience.  Our Field Director and Field Assistant have decades of experience working with volunteers.  If you are interested in archaeological fieldwork and learning more about ceramics than you ever imagined, click on Volunteer Opportunities.

Another Thing We Do
We provide specialized technological ceramic analysis services to the archaeological community.  In particular, we utilize proven fieldwork and analysis techniques to determine if ceramic artifacts were manufactured where they were recovered and if not, where they were made.   Click on Ceramic Analysis.   

An Yet Another Thing We Do
The Institute is the primary sponsor and supporter of the Leupp Kiln Conference, an annual gathering of archaeologists, potters, replicators and other interested folks.   The conference is held at various locales around the American Southwest where we come together to gather local clay sources, fire pottery replicas and learn from each other.  The event is open to the public.  Click on LKC to learn more.

Why We Do It
We developed the Institute as a means of bringing archaeologists and the interested public together in an outdoor educational setting as a way to meet our goals of research, education and making the results availble to the general public.  We urge you to assist us in our journey by considering providing monetary and In-Kind support.  If you are interested please click on Wish List. 

Interested in Southwestern Archaeology?