Identity and Ethnicity: A Ceramic Case Study from the Isle of Man

This is a consideration of the origins, chronology and significance of Manx granite-tempered ware, which is a hand-made, coarseware made on the Isle of Man from the 12th to the 16th centuries. The ware is compared with Leinster ware from the east of Ireland and everted rim ware from Ulster. The role of Norwegian settlers in its genesis is considered and the degree to which they brought part of the technology with them from Scandinavia is assessed. The ware is also considered in the context of contemporary debates on the relative roles of Norse and ‘Celtic’ elements in Manx identity.