Perishable Structures and Serial Dwellings from Coastal Chiapas: Implications for the Archaeology of Households

Abstract

Perishable structures of pole and thatch construction are abundant in both modern and ancient settlements in Mesoamerica. This essay uses archaeological, ethnographic, and historic data from coastal Chiapas, Mexico, to define the features of such elusive buildings and to examine ways of demonstrating sequential occupation. The emphasis throughout is on investigating perishable structures in both their social and environmental settings.

Using Refuse Disposal Patterns to Infer Olmec Site Structure in the San Lorenzo Region, Veracruz, Mexico

“…Particularly useful in suggesting perished structure location was the identification of areas relatively free of artifacts and their corresponding linear concentrations of pottery and other artifacts, which I interpret as areas of provisional discard. This method for inferring the location of perished structures may prove useful in areas such as the Maya lowlands where many structures were presumably ground-level residences and their stone foundations (or other building materials), if any, were likely scavenged for other constructions (e.g., Moore and Gasco 1990;Webster et al 2000). Many archaeologists (e.g., Kuijt 1989;Oetelaar 1993; Webster and Gonlin 1988) note the lack of debris on living surfaces and within some living areas (e.g., around hearths) while at the same time noting the increased density of debris along the sides and at the rear of structures.…”

“…4, 2005] (e.g., around hearths) while at the same time noting the increased density of debris along the sides and at the rear of structures. This method for inferring the location of perished structures may prove useful in areas such as the Maya lowlands where many structures were presumably ground-level residences and their stone foundations (or other building materials), if any, were likely scavenged for other constructions (e.g., Moore and Gasco 1990;Webster et al 2000). Moreover, in sites where special purpose structures, such as dormitories and kitchens exist, studies of provisional discard may be fruitful in identifying building function and discrete activity location (Webster et al 1997).…”

New world complex societies: Recent economic, social, and political studies

“…A few small-scale ethnoarchaeological investigations of housing and house construction have been implemented (Moore and Gasco, 1990;Siegel, 1990;, and Dillehay (1990) examines the construction and use of monuments in the Andes. An innovative "ethnoarchaeological" approach to household analysis is signaled by Barba and Ortiz's (1992) chemical analyses of modern living areas.…”

Introduction

“…Mesoamerican archaeologists were key innovators in the field of household archaeology (Wilk and Rathje 1982) at its inception in the late 1970s and 1980s (Carballo 2011; Flannery 1976; Manzanilla 1986; Santley and Hirth 1993; Robin 2003; Wilk and Ashmore 1988). Indeed, it is interesting to note that in this journal alone, we have published more than 200 papers that deal directly or indirectly with ancient Mesoamerican households and the activities of their members (for example, Hirth 1995; McAnany and López Varela 1999; Manzanilla and Barba 1990; Moore and Gasco 1990; Paine and Freter 1996; Sheets 1990, 2000; Webster et al 1997). In addition, a number of books and edited volumes have appeared in recent years on ancient Mesoamerican households, their daily practices, activities, and relations (Gonlin and Lohse 2007; Hendon 2010; Hutson 2010; Lohse and Valdez 2004; Robin 2012, 2013).…”