sherd

A sherd, in archaeology, is a fragment of ceramic material, most commonly a broken piece of pottery recovered from an archaeological site. The term covers small, non-identifiable fragments that lack a complete shape, though researchers often distinguish rim shards, base shards, and handle sherds as indicators of vessel form.

Sherds are analyzed to determine production technology and the chronology of ceramic traditions. Their fabric (the clay paste and temper), surface treatment (slip, glaze, burnishing), and decoration help classify sherds into wares and stylistic groups. Rim shards can reveal lip shape and vessel type, while base shards can inform about firing conditions and vessel size. When large assemblages are recovered, typologies can provide relative dating and cultural associations.

Context is essential for interpretation. The stratigraphic position of a sherd, its associated artifacts, and the function of the site influence conclusions about use and chronology. Sherds can illuminate trade and exchange networks by matching local productions with imported wares and by revealing distribution patterns tied to production centers and economic activity. In many projects, sherds are measured, photographed, and cataloged to build a ceramic sequence.

Preservation and limitations are also considered. Ceramic shards are durable and often abundant, but fragmentation, surface weathering, and post-depositional processes can complicate reconstruction. The term potsherd is a common synonym, though sherd is widely used in professional archaeology.