Ceramics, Migrations and Ethnic Identity at the site of Cosmapa Oriental, Department of Chinandega, Nicaragua

Summary

In the summer of 2015, we analyzed ceramics recovered from the site of Cosmapa Oriental in the municipality of Chichigalpa, Department of Chinandega, Nicaragua. The research design calls for the investigation of ethnic identity and migratory processes through the identification, description, and sequencing of the ceramics. Ceramics were recovered from one 1 x 2 m pit, eight stratigraphically excavated shovel tests, and various surface collections. The pottery was analyzed using the Type: Variety-Mode system, with attention paid to chronologically sensitive modes, such as forms. Two occupations were identified: an earlier Late Preclassic one containing Usulután groups and types; Santa Tecla Red; and Pinos Black-brown. This occupation is closely linked to the Uapala and Verbena-Arenal ceramic spheres in nearby El Salvador. The later component, which dates from the Terminal Classic to the Early Postclassic period, includes Ulúa polychrome (Santana Class, Bilbao subclass), Las Vegas Polychrome, and one or two sherds of Plumbate. The local pottery associated with the later occupation is brown to buff, soft, friable, and tempered with local volcanic grit. Red and black slips are common. Because of its location, we believe the site represents the Colonial period settlement of Mazatega, and therefore was a Maribio settlement.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)   •
• Cerámica sin Fronteras: Defining Cultural Phenomena at the Intersection of Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua

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