The evolution of Classic Maya ceramic shape-classes through time; new evidence from El Peru-Waka, Guatemal

Summary

This paper present new work from the analysis of recovered ceramic vessels from the Classic Maya site of El Peru-Waka'. The research focuses on the development and evolution of four shape-classes from AD 300 to AD 1000. These include presentation platters, cacao vessels, small drinking cups, and bowls. These were serving vessels, designed not only to hold foodstuffs, but as social and political currency in their own right. They were to be present at Classic feasting events to display the wealth and largesse of the hosts. This research argues that changing styles of feasting become evident in the analysis of these ceramics. Such feasting styles may have been regional in scope,illuminating one aspect of an integrated elite subculture of the Classic Maya in the Western Peten.

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This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 80th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2015)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage