Imitation as an adaptation tool in pottery making in New Spain

Abstract

Ceramics produced in the Viceroyalty of New Spain in the 16th – 18th centuries serve as a valuable source for studying the history of intercultural contacts and colonization of the American continent. This article focuses on tableware ceramics and their significance in the sociocultural adaptation of colonial populations. The production of pottery on the Iberian Peninsula prior to colonization is described, and the function of ceramic vessels during the initial stages of conquest is explored. The article also examines questions of continuity and innovation in pottery production technology, and presents models for the emergence of new ceramic types in New Spain. Additionally, connections are established between the external appearance of tableware and the social identity of its owner. Particular attention is paid to the study of Tonala Polychrome ceramic type, which is an excellent example of local potters adapting to new standards of tableware. The work is based on the study of collections of Tonaltec pottery from the 17th to 18th centuries found in museums across Russia, Spain, and France.