An agent purposely added to the paste in order to strengthen the clay, and improve its workability. Particles can range in size from very fine to several centimeters in size. Materials used in this region include crushed rock (i.e. geniss, quartz, hematite, and limestone), shell, sand, or clay nodules.

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

A substance added to something to modify its qualities or properties. In pottery manufacture, temper is a nonplastic material (e.g., ash, limestone, sand, shell, crushed sherd) added to clay to prevent excessive shrinkage of the vessel during drying and firing.

To moisten and mix clay, plaster or mortar to a proper consistency.

ground rock, shell, or sand added to clay that helps hold the clay together in the process of making pottery

materials added to clay in the manufacture of ceramic artifacts, to prevent cracking during firing. Could include vegetal fibers, feathers, rock fragments, sand, or ground-up potsherds.

Sand, crushed rock, or ground-up potshards added to clay to reduce shrinkage and cracking during drying and firing

gritty material added to clay to prevent a piece from shrinking or breaking as it dries or is fired.

The course material added to a clay body to make it more porous, more resistant to thermal shock, less likely to warp. Also refers to the process of adding the material.

material added to clay to improve the firing qualities of pottery, preventing excessive shrinking and cracking