Pigment and Clay Variation in Polychrome Ceramics

Summary

This poster presents the results of a project that attempted to replicate viable paint and clay combinations employed to make Salado and Maverick Mountain polychrome ceramics. We know from NAA and petrographic studies that both of these painted ceramics were locally produced and widely exchanged in the Upper Gila region. Local clays and pigments, from the Gila River Valley, were used to show how effectively different pigments adhere to clay. The study also provided an opportunity to explore the processing of organic and mineral materials potentially used as pigments. The study showed that several variables affect how pigments and clays interacted during the firing process including: the type of clay, type of pigment, time at which pigment was applied, firing temperature, and firing time. Using experimental techniques allowed for nuanced understandings of the results based on observations during various stages of production. The results of this project further show the complexity in manufacturing a polychrome vessel, from the clay type and paint recipe used to the firing technique.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 21144