Ceramic Pastes: Refining Epiclassic and Early Postclassic Basin of Mexico Typologies and Interactions Close to Home

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Interactions during the Epiclassic and Early Postclassic (AD 650–1100) in the Central Highlands: New Insights from Material and Visual Culture" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

The interplay of compositional, stylistic, and technological variation of pottery from the Basin provides the framework to assess shifting patterns of regional interaction. The Epiclassic is characterized by Coyotlatelco pottery, although this pottery was locally made and used with minor amounts of exchange with neighbors. Also, unique ceramic complexes within parts of the Basin and Mexico (and neighboring Tula) developed early in the Epiclassic—especially in the southern Basin and north in Hidalgo. Transitioning from the Epiclassic to the Early Postclassic, regional patterns of interaction begin to shift as evidenced by adoption of new ceramic types and changing settlement patterns. In order to further understand how ceramic production can provide new insights into interactions between neighboring communities, I am implementing a macroscopic study of ceramic pastes (binocular microscope) that helps to refine ceramic typologies and classify large groups of sherds according to their observable mineral components and texture. Paste groups are assessed from samples that have undergone chemical source characterization (INAA) and have been classified according to regional pottery complexes. A selection of cases are highlighted that provide new resolution of ceramic production and implications for interaction among neighboring communities of Central Mexico.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Interactions during the Epiclassic and Early Postclassic (AD 650–1100) in the Central Highlands: New Insights from Material and Visual Culture   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 40123.0