The Weeden Island ceramic complex was first defined by (Willey 1945) and later applied to a set of cultural traits shared among mound sites along the Gulf Coast of Florida. This description of the Weeden Island Zoned Red type is based on his later elaboration of ceramic types throughout the state of Florida (Willey 1949:422-424). 

Beyond the incised and punctated decoration that is applied to vessel exteriors in "Bands or zones outlined with fine incised lines," Willey (1949:422) distinguishes this type from Weeden Island Plain by noting that "Weeden Island Zoned Red is virtually always buff-fired and well polished." He also mentions that the "lines are sometimes ornamented with deep triangular punctuations" and that "Zones or backgrounds to the zones are colored with red pigment." This type is relatively uncommon "but seems to be found from the northwest as far south as Hillsborough County."

Chronologically, this type dates to both the Weeden Island I and II Periods. It is likely "the descendant of Pierce Zoned Red" and is also similar to "Woodville Red Filmed, a Louisiana Troyville Period type (Ford and Willey, 1939)" (Willey 1949:422).

Some details in this type description come from the Ceramic Technology Lab Type Collection maintained by the Florida Museum of Natural History.

As described by Willey (1949:422):

Ware characteristics: (See Weeden Island Plain.) Weeden Island Zoned Red is virtually always buff-fired and well polished.

Decoration:

Technique: Incisions and large triangular punctuations made in sun-dried but unfired clay. Red pigment applied before firing. Red usually a light red to carmine shade.

Design: Bands or zones outlined with fine incised lines. The lines are sometimes ornamented with deep triangular punctuations much as in the types Weeden Island Incised and Weeden Island Punctuated. Bands or zones may form chevrons, triangles, loops, lobate forms, or circles. Zones or backgrounds to the zones are colors with red pigment. (Pl. 26, f-h; pl. 29, a)

Distribution: Vessel exteriors.

Form: Flattened-globular bowl, cylindrical beaker, human-effigy vessel, and gourd-effigy vessel (fig. 42, g) all noted. Rims seem to be unmodified (fig. 43, left), lips rounded. Bases round or flat. No appendages observed.

Geographical range of type: Not a common type but seems to be found from the northwest as far south as Hillsborough County.

Chronological position of type: Probably both Weeden Island I and II.

Relationships of type: Probably the descendant of Pierce Zoned Red. Shows relationships to Woodville Red Filmed, a Louisiana Troyville Period type (Ford and Willey, 1939).

Bibliography: Willey (1945).