Experimental Ceramic Technology Studies: Programme for Belize Archaeology Project

Summary

This is a multifaceted approach utilizing environmental, ethnographical, and ceramic studies from various instructors with feedback from students, faculty, and experienced potters. Incorporating this project in our field school, generates more knowledge and curiosity in the observation of materials in the field pertaining to this technology.The environment and its contribution to our needs such as clay, water, temper, fuel, and firing methods are some of the most important aspects of research. These components are interactive. I regard pottery manufacture as a continuum. If any component is lacking or unavailable, adjustment or adaption must be initiated. The major component is the environment. This is an interactive economy. Manipulation of clay, temper, water, slips (pigments), and fire must be adjustable. This project has become a working lab in the field. Visual observation and participation of students, and our local community of Belize, may inspire more discussion and knowledge of pottery manufacture. We utilize only materials from our local surroundings. We are grateful to Dr. Fred Valdez, Programme for Belize, and my students (from 2000-present) for their participation. This poster includes participation of students: Cristina Gonzalez, and Yarely Meza. This poster will include examples of components, tools, and results of manufacture.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)   •
• Recent Advances in the Archaeology of the Three Rivers Region of the Central Maya Lowlands

Keywords

Spatial Coverage