essay

Figurines and miscellaneous clay objects

Excavations at Snaketown, Harold S. Gladwin, Emil W. Haury, E. B. Sayles, Nora Gladwin • (25) • Published In 1965 • Pages: 233-245

By: Haury, Emil W. (Emil Walter).

Abstract

This document discusses the evolutionary trends of Snaketown figurines, from the early Vahki phase of the Pioneer Period through the Sacaton Phase of the Sedentary. Those of the Pioneer Period show comparatively little change. But thereafter significant differences occur. The most obvious trend in the sequence lies in the gradual addition of features which altered a stereotyped and conventional form of head to one of realistic lines, each successive addition or change becoming valuable as a diagnostic. Torsos and body postures underwent only minor chages during the Pioneer and Colonial Periods. During the Sacaton Phase of the Sedentary Period, bodies of clay were given up, possibly in favor of those made of perishable materials such as fibers and textiles. Heads, however, were still being made of clay, probably because of the difficulty of making good representations with any other material. Figurines definitely associated with Classic Period remains have not been found and we must either suppose that the trait, begun in clay, continued in materials that have not lasted, or that it became extinct (p. 238).

HRAF PubDate

2010

Region

North America

Sub Region

Southwest and Basin

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Archaeologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

John Beierle; 2009

Field Date

no date

Coverage Date

2000-900 BP (AD 1-1100)

Coverage Place

Snaketown, Arizona, United States

Notes

By Emil W. Haury

For bibliographical references see document 53:Gladwin

LCCN

65023304

LCSH

Hohokam culture

Excavations (Archaeology)--Arizona--Snaketown

Snaketown Site (Ariz.)