Riviere au Vase is a major Late Woodland archaeological site in Chesterfield Township near Lake St. Clair that has been central to understanding prehistoric southeastern Michigan. Excavated in 1936 and 1937, it preserved evidence of a substantial Native community, including 144 pits, 145 burial groupings representing 350 individuals, animal remains, and a large collection of artifacts. Its most influential finds were more than 400 rim sherds representing 371 vessels, which helped scholars define Wayne ware and especially Riviere ware pottery types. James Fitting placed the site in the Riviere au Vase phase of the Younge tradition, roughly A.D. 600 to 900, making it key to regional chronology, cultural relationships, and mortuary practices.