Parallels between pseudo-cloisonné and Huichol votive gourds: iconography, processing, and disposal

Summary

Pseudo cloisonné is a characteristic ceramic type of West Mexico. It has generally drawn the attention of researchers because of its complex iconography and elaborate manufacture, which have led many to regard it as a prestige/exchange good. The study of this ceramic type, supported by ethnographic analogy with votive gourd bowls produced by the Huichol of northern Jalisco, suggests the possibility that many pseudo cloisonné pieces may not have been considered as prestige/exchange goods. The Huichol do not even conceptualize the votive gourd bowls as vessels for deities, but as the deities themselves. And then, the ethnography also supports the possibility that this pottery were manufactured in situ.

This study shows how pseudo-cloisonné vessels and Huichol gourds share patterns of manufacture (with respect to both iconography and ceramic forms) and disposal (sherds in fill or whole vessels in ceremonial contexts). An thus, justifying the possibility that not only are these patterns shared between the vessels, but also the cosmogenic value that they possess. It is important to mention that these analogies are not trying to indicate a direct relationship between the groups involved. However, properly argued, this analogy provides an enlightening and clearer understanding of pseudo cloisonné pottery.

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This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)   •
• Advances in the archaeology of West Mexico and the surrounding areas

Keywords

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