GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POSTCLASSIC MAYA RITUAL POTTERY

The Postclassic period (ca. AD1000-1500) in the Maya lowlands was typified by multiple north-south migrations, a restructured political organization, and warfare. Even though there were many competing socio-political factions, pottery used during rituals (redwares and effigy censer burners) is stylistically similar among these similar factions. In addition to stylistic similarities, geochemical analyses suggest multiple decorative- and form-specific manufacturing recipes that reflect intentional choices made by these potters. By combining the stylistic and geochemical signatures of ritual pottery from some of the archaeological sites in central Petén, northern Belize, and north-central México, archaeologists are beginning to detect these specific manufacturing recipes and we are able to suggest if the actual ritual pottery is being traded among the Maya or if it is the ritual and pottery manufacturing knowledge that is being transmitted.