essay

Ceramics

ancient chalcatzingoAustin • Published In 1987 • Pages: 200-251

By: Cyphers, Ann.

Abstract
In this description and typology of the Early and Middle Formative period ceramics from the Olmec-influenced highland site of Chalcatzingo, Cyphers Guillén presents wares in chronological order of appearance, with reference to rim shape, body shape, and surface design codes found in Merry de Morales: 1987 (Document 35). Del Prado Pink and Pavón Fine Grey wares may have been manufactured in neighboring Puebla State; the latter ware shows strong stylistic affinities to Gulf Coast Olmec types although almost certainly not imported from there. Very small amounts of kaolin ceramics could have been imported from the Olmec core area on the Gulf Coast. However, the strongest, most exclusive stylistic connections to coastal Olmec ceramics are exhibited in locally produced Peralta Orange wares, and widespread Middle Formative period grey pottery types (Carved Grey and Carrales Coarse Grey at Chalcatzingo) with abundant parallels at contemporary lowland Olmec wares. Manantial Orange-on-White shares large heavy everted rim bowl forms with Early Formative period San Lorenzo's Aguatepec Thick. Amatzinac White (the dominant ware in burials as shown in Merry de Morales:1987 (Document 11)) and Merry de Morales : 1987 (Document 34) exhibits diffuse similarities to a number of Formative period Mesoamerican wares, including some from the Olmec centers of San Lorenzo, La Venta, and Tres Zapotes. A number of other wares and specific vessel forms (e.g. braziers) also potentially demonstrate Olmec influence, although many are common throughout Formative period Mesoamerica.
Subjects
Ceramic technology
Comparative evidence
Utensils
Acculturation and culture contact
tradition
Olmec
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
Middle America and the Caribbean
Sub Region
Central Mexico
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Leon G. Doyon ; 2007
Field Date
1972-1976
Coverage Date
3500 BP-2500 BP
Coverage Place
Chalcatzingo, Morelos State, Mexico
Notes
Ann Cyphers Guillé n
brazier - use 'HEATING AND LIGHTING EQUIPMENT (354)'
For bibliographical references see Grove: 1987 (Document 3)
LCCN
85022673
LCSH
Olmecs