Ceramic traditions are described here as the smallest area for which pottery associated with different sequences can be consistently grouped. Ceramics assigned to different regional traditions defined for a specific area often exhibit similar characteristics but are differentiated by temper and paste resources and sometimes stylistic differences. Traditions represent the basic unit through which and ceramic ware groups and types are defined.

• Tusayan (Kayenta)
• Chaco and Cibola
• Southern Cibola
• Chuska
• Northern San Juan
• Upper San Juan
• Gallina
• Jemez
• Greater Tewa Basin (Northern Tewa)
• Taos (Northern Tiwa)
• Middle Rio Grande
• Rio Abajo
• Northern Jornada (Sierra Blanca)
• Southern Jornada (El Paso)
• Mogollon-Mimbres
• Casas Grandes
• Navajo
• Upper Gila (Highland Salado)
• Rio Grande Hispanic
• Pecos
• Jicarilla Apache
• Western Apache
• Southern Apache