Ancient Engineering: Selective Ceramic Processing in the Middle Balsas Region of Guerrero, Mexico

Description

This volume has two main objectives: establishing a chronology of the Middle Balsas and detailing the region’s pottery production methods. The author posits that pottery intended for different functions was often deliberately made and/or decorated in ways that were chosen to make the vessels more appropriate for their intended functions. More specifically, this study determines whether any of the pottery production patterns identified in the region are linked to specific constraints imposed by the materials during the process of pottery manufacture. For example, it examines whether variables such as vessel shape and wall thickness correlate with the clay types and processing techniques determined during thin section analysis of the ancient sherds. Additionally, certain production behaviours are identified that are characteristic of the entire region and that can be used as markers of local tradition. Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction: Problem Statement, Theoretical Underpinnings, and the Ecology of the Middle Balsas Region Chapter 2: Previous Work and Contemporary Archaeological Projects in and Surrounding the Middle Balsas Region Chapter 3: Methods Chapter 4: Field Results from the Sites of La Quesería, Itzímbaro, and Mexiquito Chapter 5: Results from Laboratory Analyses and Replication Studies Chapter 6: Patterns in Middle Balsas Pottery Production and their Interpretation Chapter 7: Conclusions Bibliography Appendix 1: Registry of Bags from La Quesería, Itzímbaro, and Mexiquito Appendix 2: Ceramic Analysis Appendix 3: Diameter and Thickness Measurements Appendix 4: Obsidian Analysis Appendix 5: Figurine Analysis Appendix 6: Raw Point Count Data Appendix 7: Strength Test Data