essay

The Postclassic archaeology of the western Gulf Coast: some initial observations

lowland maya postclassic • Austin • Published In 1985 • Pages: 235-244

By: Ball, Joseph W..

Abstract

In this essay, Ball systematically reviews a portion of the rich but disparate data available on the Postclassic archaeology of the Campeche-Tabasco Gulf coastal plain, and suggests fruitful directions for future research in the area. One of these suggestions deals with establishing a well documented archaeological chronology for the region and clarifiying the position of the now traditional but unsubstantiated temporal values for 'key' ceramic markers, such as the Matillas, Silho, and Balancan-Altar groups of Fine Orange paste ware (p. 10). A second suggestion is that future research in the area should strive to find more convincing evidence for a Classic to Postcalssic developmental continum than now exists. In summary the author says that: '…the Postclassic archaeology of western Campeche comprises an important and fertile field for future research efforts. A regionally informed program of problem-oriented studies in the zone could contribute an almost inconceivable amount of new data toward our understanding of cultural history and process in the lowland Maya area from the preconquest Late Classic period into and through Spanish Colonial times' (p. 11).

HRAF PubDate

2001

Region

Middle America and the Caribbean

Sub Region

Maya Area

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Archaeologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

Analyst

John Beierle ; 2000

Field Date

no date

Coverage Date

1100 BP-480 BP (900 A.D.-1520 A.D.)

Coverage Place

Campeche-Tabasco Gulf coastal plain, western Yucatan peninsula, Mexico

Notes

Joseph W. Ball

For bibliographical references see document number 2:Anonymous

LCCN

84013168

LCSH

Mayas--Antiquities