Ceramics in Archaeology Maya Ceramics Analyzing Ceramics

Maya Ceramics Ceramics in Archaeology

Valuable source of information about past
societies.

For Maya, other sources available, but still
provide helpful cultural information,
especially figures and painted vases.

Analyzing Ceramics Chocolate Pot
Rio Azul
Function
Vessel size and shape
Residue analysis
Storage, cooking, mixing, eating,
ceremonial use.

Dating with ceramics Ceramic Cultures

Stylistic classification used to establish Older archaeology practice: identified
chronology by association. culture by ceramic styles
Esperanza (Kaminaljuyu)
Pottery changes in shape, size, temper, Tzakol (Uaxactun)
firing methods, and decoration in
consistent patterns. Not done today, as other data provide
better information about social identity and
cultural practices.

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Maya use of Ceramics Methods of Production

Pottery first developed in stable farming 4 methods used by Maya:
societies.  Unspecialized household production – always
done.
First pottery mimicked containers used  Specialized household production (Late
before: woven baskets and gourds. Preclassic and Classic)
Some households produced pottery for
Early vessels well-fired and durable. exchange, as FT job.
Pottery breaks into pieces - - but potsherds  Industrial production (Postclassic)
last forever. Specialized industries for pottery production
- - Plumbate pottery, in particular.
Some slipped and polished, others not.

Development of Pottery Tripod
vessel
Crude hand-modeled figurines appear as Calakmul
early as Preclassic - - function unknown.

Polychrome pottery – black, white, red,
yellow – developed in Preclassic.

By Late Preclassic, tripods and tetrapods
made, along with incense burners.

Classic period: elaborate pottery in many
shapes, forms, and functions.

Detail of
cover of a
Tetrapod

vessel
Calakmul

Bowls in Priest’s burial, Tikal
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Vessel
Uaxactun

Lidded Bowl, Jaguar Head
Tikal

Crocodile figure Bird Vessels
Jaguar Head Vessel
Jaina Island pottery

Specialized ceramic figurines made on
island of Jaina during the Late Classic
period.

Range in size from 4 to 9 inches high, and
are very detailed and finely made.

Most have white slip; some painted.
Some hand-modeled, while others were

made with moulds.
Some had pellets inside so could function

as rattles; others were whistles or flutes.

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Jaina Lord Jaina Woman

Jaina Merchant Jaina
Ballplayer

Maya Painted Vases

Late Classic period especially known for its
painted vases.

Ironically, some poorly fired, although
highly decorated. More canvas than
functional pottery.

Central lowlands area of most famous
cylindrical painted vases.

Most small: about 8 inches tall.

Lord sitting on Jaguar Pelt
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Rollout: Lord on Jaguar Pelt

Rio Azul painted vase

Lord on a Throne Ballgame

Vase with
Scene from

Xibalba

Vase depicting a Conquest
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Scene from Popol Vuh: Codex Writer at work
Hunapu and Xbalanque make

offerings to Itzamna

Terminal Classic and Pottery Plumbate Vessels

General decline in making of elaborate Another form of figurative pottery emerged
pottery, especially the painted vases. in Postclassic period, Plumbate pottery.

The next major invention in pottery-making Was an invention of the Putun Maya.
came from the Putun, in the form of Only pottery fired hot enough for true
Plumbate pottery.
vitrification (more than 1700 degrees).
Other than highly sophisticated Plumbate, Used pit kilns.
the pottery during Postclassic was Decorated by incising.
utilitarian, mostly - - with geometric Highly valuable in trade.
decorations, but no elaborate painted vases.

Plumbate End of Postclassic
Vessel
By the end of the Postclassic period,
Coatimundi Plumbate production had ceased and
pottery was utilitarian only, with low-
temperature open-firing.

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