essay

Chalcatzingo's formative figurines

ancient chalcatzingo • Austin • Published In 1987 • Pages: 252-263

By: Harlan, Mark.

Abstract

Harlan provides a typology of Formative period ceramic figurines from the Olmec-influenced highland site of Chalcatzingo. Nearly all are found to be stylistically related Tlatilco and other contemporary highland sites. Although also of a distinctively highland style, Middle Formative period Type C8 figurines exhibit unique, repetitive traits analogous to the portrayal of specific rulers in the monumental stone heads of the Olmec core area and share features with figurines from the Gulf Coast center of Tres Zapotes. A very few Early Formative period Amate phase specimens (Type C9) exhibit unmistakable Olmec 'baby-face' characteristics. The work concludes with a lengthy discussion about the contexts of figurines as related to emerging social stratification in the highlands.

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 ; 2006

Field Date

1972-1976

Coverage Date

3500 BP-1850 BP

Coverage Place

Chalcatzingo, Morelos State, Mexico

Notes

Mark Harlan

figurines, ceramic, as portraiture - use 'MNEMONIC DEVICES (211)' and 'CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY (323)' and 'VISUAL ARTS (5311)'

For bibliographical references see Grove: 1987 (Document 3)

LCCN

85022673

LCSH

Olmecs