An application of geological survey and ceramic petrology to provenance studies of Guangala phase Ceramics of ancient Ecuador

Abstract

The foundation of provenance studies of ceramics is the regional geology. Unfortunately, archaeologists often depend on regional geologic maps for comparative information. In many areas the scale of maps is too small to determine the lithological variation, which is necessary information for a robust provenance study of ceramic materials. Accurate determination requires geologic field mapping and analysis of the lithologies and clay‐rich sediments present. In this provenance study of prehistoric ceramics from southwest Ecuador, we have established the lithological variation of both rocks and clay‐rich sediments through geological survey. Petrographic analysis of geological samples and ancient ceramic materials determined the variation in both populations and established cases of significant correlation as well as noncorrelation between objects and local materials. Ceramic production at the Ecuadorian sites was complex and involved local production of domestic wares as well as importation of tempering materials and vessels and adoption of foreign decorative motifs. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Ceramic Technology And Resource Use During The Early Neolithic In Central‐Southern Portugal

“…The results inform us about the technological traditions and the mobility and interaction among these early farmer groups. Standards for analysis and attribute recording were followed (Whitbread ; Quinn ) and details of the specific procedures used are available (Masucci ; Masucci and Macfarlane ).…”

Turismo ecológico para potenciar el desarrollo sostenible del cantón Puerto López, Manabí, Ecuador.

“…Sus formas van desde un gran realismo hasta la estilización completa. Se pueden identificar figuras femeninas y masculinas (Stothert, 1993;Masucci & Macfarlane, 1997;Reitz & Masucci, 2004).…”

Comparative Clay Analysis and Curation for Archaeological Pottery Studies

“…A primary use of the comparative samples is for provenance research. In order to correlate variation in pottery composition with the spatial distribution of resources, raw materials must be sampled (e.g., Arnold et al 2000; Hein et al 2004; Masucci and Macfarlane 1997; Ruby and Shriner 2005). Countless studies of pottery provenance have proceeded without comparative data from sampled clays, but limited or no sampling of clayey sediments inevitably reduces the confidence of provenance assignments and the range of questions that can be investigated (Neff et al 1992).…”