c.

c. AD 400 – 1000 (Pottery Evolution): The transition from the Saladoid “Series” to the subsequent Ostionoid and Troumassoid traditions is marked by a notable shift in ceramic technology and decoration. The elaborate white-on-red painting and complex modeling of the early period gave way to simpler, more utilitarian forms characterized by red-slipping, incision, and simplified adornos. Keegan and Hofman interpret this stylistic change as evidence of “cultural drift” and a shift toward more localized social identities. As communities became more established on individual islands, the need for a shared, pan-regional aesthetic declined in favor of styles that reflected the unique heritage of specific island groups.