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).
Subjects
Visual arts
Ceramic technology
tradition
Hohokam
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.)