Maya Pottery Production at Nakum, Guatemala, during the Protoclassic Period (100/50 BC – AD 300/350)

Abstract

This study investigates the Protoclassic ceramic production at Nakum, Guatemala, using it as a proxy to explore the nature of the transition from the Preclassic to Classic period (100/50 BC -AD 300/350) in Central Maya lowlands. Petrographic analysis reveals that household specialisation existed in the local production of slipped serving and utilitarian wares at Nakum. The recovery of locally made polychrome vessels further indicates that Nakum might have participated in a new network of cultural interactions and trade, enabling the community to sustain stable growth at a time when many major Preclassic sites declined.

Dinámica Del Desarrollo Cultural Y Sociopolítico De Nakum, Guatemala Durante El Preclásico Medio

“…Particularmente, se deseaba comprobar esta correspondencia en el caso de la cerámica del complejo Chämach de Nakum, la cual, según los análisis recientes de Hermes (2019), abarca siete diferentes clases con 14 grupos cerámicos. Cabe mencionar que el modelo llamado tipo-variedad es un sistema basado en los tratamientos superficiales y, en cierta medida, en el examen macroscópico de la pasta cerámica (Gifford 1976; Hermes 2019; véase también Ting et al 2021).…”

“…En cuanto al origen de estos materiales se puede pensar en materias primas foráneas. Estudios geológicos futuros podrán encontrar las fuentes de procedencia de las cenizas volcánicas (para discusión de la presencia de cenizas volcánicas en la cerámica maya, véase Coffey et al 2014; Ford 2014; Ford y Glicken 1987; Ford y Rose 1995; Gregor et al 2011; Sachiko 2003; Ting et al 2015, 2021).…”

Volcanic Ash Tempered Pottery Production in the Late to Terminal Classic Belize Valley, Belize

“…Weathered ash was used in pottery production for a long period of time in multiple areas of the Maya lowlands, suggesting that soils containing volcanic materials were more widespread than has been documented. Pottery containing other weathered volcanic materials, such as basalt, rhyolite, devitrified glass, or welded tuff, was likely produced in or used materials derived from the Bladen Volcanic Member of the Maya Mountains (Howie 2005, 2012; Ting 2018; Ting et al 2021).…”